How to File a State Tax Return
In order to fill out and complete a state tax return, certain steps need to be taken regardless of which state you reside in. Information from your completed federal tax return will be needed to determine your state tax obligations. It is imperative that the federal return is correctly completed to reduce errors on your state return.
- Fill out a correct federal tax return. You will need your federal adjusted gross income information to correctly complete your state tax return. This information is commonly known as your AGI.
- Fill out the "Header" section of your state tax return. This section deals with your personal information. The information includes your name, address and Social Security numbers for you and your spouse (if applicable). Depending on your state, some additional information may be needed.
- Enter your federal AGI from your federal tax return. State forms may differ on exactly where this information needs to be recorded. This information will be used to determine your state liabilities.
- Enter any deductions or credits that you may qualify for. These tax credits, subtracted from your state tax, will lesson your state tax liability.
- Enter the amount of state tax withheld from your income on the state return form. Continue to fill out the form until fully completed. You will then have a tax refund or owe more tax to the state.