You finally got through your federal return, and just when you think you’re done—surprise! Your state wants a turn.
So, do you actually have to file state taxes? Short answer: in most cases, yes. Long answer: let’s break it down.
Federal vs. State: What’s the Difference?
- Federal taxes go to the IRS.
- State taxes go to your state’s revenue department (unless you live in a tax-free state).
Most states piggyback off your federal return, which means if you filed federally, the state expects a copy too.
Who Doesn’t Have to File?
There are currently nine states with no income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming (New Hampshire only taxes interest/dividends).
If you live in one of these, congrats—you skip the state return. Everyone else, keep reading.
Common Traps First-Timers Miss
You may need to file in more than one state if:
- You moved during the year (hello, new job or first house).
- You worked remotely for a company in another state.
- You earned side hustle income across state lines (think DoorDash in one city, Airbnb in another).
Even if your W-2 job was straightforward, these little life events can trigger multiple state filings.
Why It Matters
Skipping your state return isn’t just a “whoops.” It can mean:
- Penalties & interest if you owe money.
- Refund delays if the state owes you money.
- Nastygrams from your state’s tax department (and nobody wants that in their mailbox).
Bottom Line
If you filed a federal return, there’s a good chance you need to file state taxes too—unless you’re lucky enough to live in a no-income-tax state.
👉 General info only—confirm with current IRS or state guidance, or talk to a tax professional.
Make It Easier on Yourself
Don’t spend your Saturday Googling “state tax rules [insert your state].” Book with us—we’ll check if you need one state return or three, and file them correctly.
✅ Book in 2 minutes → makeadultingeasier.com/book
