Filing your state tax return

Overview

Most states require you to file a separate state income tax return in addition to your federal return. FileJoy makes this easy by pulling information from your federal return and applying state-specific rules.

Adding a State Return

Step 1: Navigate to State Returns

Click File Your Return in the left sidebar, then select the State Returns tab.

Step 2: Add Your State

Click Add State Return and select the state where you need to file. Common reasons to file in a state:

• You **lived** in the state during the tax year
• You **worked** in the state (even if you live elsewhere)
• You **earned income** from sources in the state (rental property, business, etc.)

Step 3: Confirm Residency Status

FileJoy will ask about your residency:

• **Full-year resident** — You lived in the state for the entire year
• **Part-year resident** — You moved in or out during the year
• **Non-resident** — You earned income in the state but lived elsewhere

What's Included in Your Plan

Your FileJoy plan includes state returns based on your subscription:

• **Basic plan:** 1 state return included
• **Premium plan:** 2 state returns included
• **Additional states:** $29 each

If you need more state returns than your plan includes, FileJoy will prompt you to purchase additional states at checkout.

State-Specific Rules

Every state has its own tax rules, and FileJoy handles the differences automatically. Some key variations:

• **Tax rates:** States have different brackets, from flat rates to progressive scales
• **Deductions:** Some states follow federal deductions, others have their own
• **Credits:** Many states offer unique credits (property tax, child care, earned income)
• **Due dates:** Most follow the federal April 15 deadline, but some differ

States with No Income Tax

If you live in one of these states, you don't need to file a state income tax return:

• Alaska
• Florida
• Nevada
• New Hampshire (interest and dividends only)
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Washington
• Wyoming

However, you may still need to file in another state if you earned income there.

How to File

Filing your state return follows the same process as federal:

1. Complete the state-specific sections (FileJoy pre-fills most from your federal return)
2. Review the state return summary
3. Click **File State Return**

You can file your state return at the same time as your federal return or separately.

Tips

• File your federal return first—many state calculations depend on federal figures
• If you worked in multiple states, you may need to file in each one
• Watch for reciprocity agreements—some neighboring states have agreements that simplify multi-state filing
• Check if your state offers a separate e-file deadline extension