How to Find Out If I Owe State Taxes

It may seem simple enough, but knowing if you owe state taxes isn't always cut and dry. Those who have relocated may not realize they owe state taxes in the last state they lived in. To avoid an unpleasant surprise years later there are a few ways to find out if you owe taxes.

Being proactive about paying state taxes is the only way to avoid a huge tax bill later. Those who move frequently between states may not realize they owe taxes in another state. If you have moved or are just unsure if you owe taxes, there are a few things you can do to avoid those huge tax bills later.

Search online for the Department of Revenue for the state in question. For example, if you lived in Colorado for a few months and need to know if you owe Colorado state taxes, search for Colorado Department of Revenue. 

Find the frequently asked questions page. Once you have found the correct Department of Revenue website look at their FAQs section. You should find information on contacting the office directly. They may have both phone numbers and email addresses. While the site may want you to email to take some of the burden off the phones, remember it's not safe to include personal information such as Social Security Numbers. For this reason it's probably best to call.

Once you get a representative ask the pertinent questions. It may take a few minutes but they should be able to give you the exact amounts you owe, as well as when they are/were due. If the taxes are already past due, don't panic. Ask about extension programs and just be honest. Many times you can get interest charges and late fees waived if you set up and stick to a new payment plan. Every state is different about this, but if you owe state taxes and they are past due it never hurts to ask.