Using Franchised Tax Prep Chains

• Whether you choose one or the other of the major tax preparation chains to prepare your taxes, the same information entered to complete your federal taxes will be used to complete your state taxes. The software packages used by the franchised tax preparation chains integrates the standard state returns with the federal returns so when all federal tax information has been entered into the program, the state return is completed almost simultaneously. Still, you will have the option of e-filing the federal return and either postponing the state return or simply printing the return to be mailed instead of e-filed.
  
  

Using Online E-filing Services

• Online filing services range from the free e-file sites sponsored by the IRS to fee-based services. If you qualify for the free e-file services for federal, you more than likely qualify for free e-file of the state return as well. Most of these online-based services will have a menu at the end of the completion of the return to allow you to choose to file both federal and state together. The option to e-file federal and paper file the state return may not be there, depending on which online service you are using.
  
  

State Department of Revenue Sites

• You may visit your state's Department of Revenue website and search for the forms necessary to file your state taxes. Some states will have these forms in a pdf format that can be filled in directly on a computer and printed. These forms may be filled in by hand as well. If you choose to paper file your state return and are using the online tax prep service, you may be able to view the state return before agreeing to pay to e-file it. If this is possible, use the information in the online return to fill in the paper state return.
  
  

Using Retail Purchased Tax Prep Software

• Retail tax preparation has been available for many years. The problem with some of these options is that the basic program often does not include a state return in the price for the federal tax preparation. There is typically an extra fee for the preparation of a state tax return. Check the retail box carefully to ensure that the state return amount is included. If it is, the price you pay often includes the e-filing of both federal and state returns for free. If the reason for not wanting to e-file the state return is financial in nature, this may answer that difficulty. The option to print the return and mail it is usually included as an aid to those who prefer to wait until the last minute to pay any taxes due and would rather pay with a check on April 15.
  
  

Self-Preparation

• Preparing your taxes without the aid of software, professional preparers, or online services is possible--it is just not recommended. There may be forms that are required that you are not familiar with or aren't aware that you need. If you have a simple tax return, a W-2 with no dependents, etc., all you will need is the current tax tables, a Form 1040EZ and your W-2s. For the state return, you can use the state's department of revenue site and search for the state's equivalent of the EZ form. Once you have completed the federal return, you can take the completed form to a tax prep franchise where you will only get charged for the e-filing service, should all other information be correct on the return you prepared at home.