Taxes State Taxes Save Time by E-Filing Your Federal and State Tax Return Together How to E-File Your Federal and State Return at the Same Time By Tonya Moreno, CPA Updated on February 5, 2022 Reviewed by Eric Estevez Fact checked by David Rubin In This Article View All In This Article How to Use Federal/State E-File Benefits of Filing Simultaneously Drawbacks to Using Federal/State E-File Is E-Filing Safe? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Photo: Patrik Giardino / Getty Images Most states have partnered with the IRS to allow taxpayers to e-file their federal and state tax returns together, at the same time. This program is known as Federal/State e-file, or Modernized e-File (MeF). The electronic filing software puts your federal and state return data in separate packets when you use this program. The separate packets are then simultaneously submitted to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS acts as a virtual post office for the participating state, which retrieves the state returns from the IRS and processes them. How to Use Federal/State E-File Taxpayers can utilize the Federal/State e-file system through paid tax preparers, such as certified public accountants (CPAs) or enrolled agents, provided that they've been accepted as e-file providers by both the IRS and their state. You can also use tax preparation software, such as TurboTax, H&R Block, or Tax Slayer. Most reputable software providers are equipped to file state and federal returns. Note Free tax software can also be used to e-file federal and state returns together in states that participate in IRS Free File, but the Free File software is only available to taxpayers with incomes of $73,000 or less per year. Some software providers have even lower income limits. You can't participate in Federal/State e-file if you prepare your own tax return manually using the IRS forms that are also free and available online at Free File. The IRS makes these forms available to those who don't meet the income limit, but they must prepare their returns themselves. You'll be able to e-file if you use these forms, but usually only your federal tax return. You can check with your state's Department of Taxation to make sure that it participates in the MeF program. Most do, and some may offer their own type of free e-filing for state residents. For example, Massachusetts offers free federal and state e-filing through the 1040NOW website. Benefits of Filing Simultaneously The main benefit of electronically filing your federal and state return together is convenience. Other benefits include: Faster processing: The IRS and participating states can process e-file returns much more quickly than paper returns.Faster refunds: Faster processing means you'll receive your refund more quickly, particularly if you request direct deposit.Improved accuracy: Tax preparation software helps to eliminate errors, and the e-file system also has some built-in error detection.Proof of filing: You'll receive a notification when your federal and state returns have been received and accepted. Drawbacks to Using Federal/State E-File The Federal/State e-File program can create some complexities if you have to pay both federal taxes and state taxes with your returns. Note The IRS e-file software doesn't allow you to combine federal and state payments. A separate payment must be made to the state using its normal payment procedures. Virtually all states are set up to accept direct debits from your bank account, however, and they often accept credit card payments as well. Some states may not allow the Federal/State e-File system to be used for nonresident or part-year resident tax returns, but these drawbacks are really just minor annoyances. The advantages of e-filing significantly outweigh any disadvantages in most cases. Is E-Filing Safe? Some people might worry about the security of their personal information when they're e-filing. The IRS employs many security features, such as multiple firewalls, anti-virus features, and encryption to ensure the safety of your personal information when you transmit it. This doesn't guarantee that you won't become a victim of identity theft on your end of the process, however. The IRS offers assistance if you think you've personally suffered a data breach. You can file Form 14039, the "Identity Theft Affidavit," with the IRS to alert them. In fact, you might learn about the breach in the first place when you receive a notice from the IRS indicating that someone else has used your Social Security number on a filed tax return. Note The Federation of Tax Administrators has compiled a list of contact information for each state’s e-file coordinator if you would like details on how to make tax payments and e-filing your tax return separately from the MeF program. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) How can I file my state tax return after I e-file my federal tax return? If you already filed your federal tax return, you may need to wait for the IRS to accept it before you can file your state return because you may need information from your federal return in order to file your state return. You can file your state tax return by paper or through your state's e-file program, which most states offer. You may also be able to file your state return through a tax preparer or tax software. How much does it cost to e-file federal and state tax returns? If your adjusted gross income for the tax year is $73,000 or less, you can file your federal taxes for free through the IRS Free File program. You may also be able to file your state taxes for free if you meet the income requirements for your state's program. If you are not eligible for a free-file program, you may pay a fee to have your tax returns prepared by an accountant or software. That price will depend on your situation, but TurboTax states that the electronic filing charges incurred when using a tax software program could cost up to around $25 for tax year 2021. The average fee for having a tax preparer file your Federal Form 1040 (not itemized) and state return was $220 in 2020, according to a survey by the National Society of Accountants Income and Fees. What is the deadline to e-file federal and state taxes? The general deadline for annual tax returns is April 15 (though it is moved to the next business day if April 15 falls on a weekend or legal holiday). If you don't owe taxes, e-filed tax returns are accepted until November—the exact date changes every year, but is announced in October. In order to file a timely return after April 15, you must file Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return on or before the mid-April deadline. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Internal Revenue Service. "Publication 4164 Modernized e-File (MeF) Guide for Software Developers and Transmitters Processing Year 2022," Page 87. Internal Revenue Service. "IRS Free File: Do Your Taxes for Free." Mass.gov. "E-file Your Personal Income Taxes for Free." Internal Revenue Service. "Data Breach: Tax-Related Information for Taxpayers." H&R Block. "Can I File My State Taxes Before My Federal Taxes?" TurboTax. "E-file: Income Tax Return Electronic Filing." National Society of Accountants. "2020-2021 Income and Fees of Accountants and Tax Preparers in Public Practice: Survey Report," Page 19. Internal Revenue Service. "Topic No. 301 When, How, and Where to File." Internal Revenue Service."Due Dates & Extension Dates for E-File."