File through your state's tax agency website or by mail

Your state tax return goes to your state's tax agency, not the IRS. Each state runs its own tax department — it might be called the Department of Revenue, Department of Taxation, or something similar — and that's where your 2022 return needs to land. You have three main routes: file online through the state's website, mail a paper return to the address listed in your state's tax instructions, or use tax software that's been approved to file on your behalf.

The fastest and most reliable method is filing online directly through your state's portal. Most states offer free filing through their official websites, and you'll get confirmation that your return was received. If you prefer paper, your state provides a mailing address in the tax instruction booklet or on its website — but mail takes weeks to process, and there's no when ready proof of receipt.

Tax software like TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct can also file your state return electronically if you choose that option. The software routes your return to the correct state agency automatically. However, you're responsible for making sure the software is current for 2022 taxes and that you've selected your state correctly during setup.

Key Takeaways

  • Find your state's tax agency by searching "[your state] department of revenue" or "[your state] tax commission" — the name varies by state.
  • Your state's official website has a free online filing portal, a mailing address for paper returns, and links to approved tax software.
  • E-filing through your state's website or approved software is faster and gives you when ready confirmation; paper mail takes four to eight weeks to process.
  • You need your 2022 W-2s, 1099s, and any state-specific documents (like property tax statements) before you file, regardless of which method you choose.
  • Some states have no income tax, so you may not need to file a state return at all — check your state's rules before spending time on this.

How to find your state's tax agency website

Start by searching "[your state name] department of revenue" or "[your state name] tax commission" in your browser. The official state website will appear at the top of the results. Bookmark it — you'll need it to find the filing portal, read forms, or locate the mailing address.

Once you're on the state website, look for a link labeled "File Your Taxes," "E-File," "Individual Income Tax," or "Tax Forms and Instructions." This link takes you to the filing portal or the page where you can read the paper forms and instruction booklet. The instruction booklet includes the mailing address if you're filing by mail, plus details about what documents you need and any state-specific deductions or credits.

If you can't find the website or you're unsure which state agency handles taxes in your state, call your state's main information line or search the state government's homepage. Most states list all departments there.

Filing online through your state's portal

Most states offer a free e-file system on their tax agency website. To use it, you'll log in with a username and password (or create one if it's your first time), then enter your 2022 income, deductions, and credits into the online form. The system calculates your tax or refund and shows you the total before you submit.

Before you start, gather your W-2s from your employer, any 1099s for other income, and receipts or statements for deductions you plan to claim. Have your federal tax return handy too — some states ask for information from your federal return to cross-check your state filing.

After you submit, the state system sends you a confirmation number or email. Keep this proof. Processing time varies by state but typically takes two to four weeks for a refund to appear in your bank account if you chose direct deposit. If you owe taxes, the state will tell you the payment important date and methods accepted (usually online payment, check, or money order).

Mailing a paper return to your state

If you prefer to file by mail, read the 2022 tax forms from your state's website or request them by phone. The instruction booklet will list the exact mailing address for your state — do not guess or use an old address, as mail sent to the wrong office causes delays.

Fill out the forms by hand or print them after filling them out on your computer. Include all required schedules and supporting documents (like copies of your W-2s). Sign and date the return, then mail it certified mail with return receipt if possible — this gives you proof the state received it.

Paper returns take four to eight weeks to process. If you're owed a refund, it will arrive by check or direct deposit (if you provided banking information on the form). If you owe taxes, the state will send you a bill with payment instructions and a important date.

Using tax software to file your state return

Tax software like TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, and others can file your state return electronically at the same time you file your federal return. During setup, you'll select your state, and the software will guide you through entering your income and deductions. At the end, you'll have the option to e-file your state return for a fee (or sometimes free, depending on the software and your income level).

Make sure the software is labeled as current for 2022 taxes — older versions won't have the correct forms or tax rates. Also confirm that the software is approved by your state to e-file; most major providers are, but it's worth checking your state's website to be certain.

The advantage of using software is that it walks you through the process step by step and catches common errors before you file. The disadvantage is that some software charges a fee for state filing, whereas your state's official portal is always free. Compare the cost before you decide.

States with no income tax

Nine states do not have a personal income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming, and New Hampshire (which taxes only dividends and interest income, and only for residents over 65). If you live in one of these states and your only income is wages or self-employment, you likely do not need to file a state return.

However, if you lived in multiple states during 2022, worked in a state different from where you live, or earned income from a state that taxes nonresidents, you may still owe a return to another state. Check the rules for each state where you earned income.

What to do if you owe taxes or need an extension

If your state return shows that you owe taxes, pay by the important date listed in your state's instructions (usually April 18 for 2022 taxes, but check your state — some have different dates). Most states accept online payment through their website, by check, or by money order. Pay online if possible, because you'll get when ready confirmation.

If you need more time to file, you can request an extension through your state's website or by mail. An extension gives you until October 16 to file your return, but it does not extend the important date to pay taxes you owe — you still need to pay by the original important date to avoid penalties and interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I file my state taxes at the same time as my federal taxes?

You can file them at the same time if you use tax software or your state's online portal, but they go to different agencies. Your federal return goes to the IRS; your state return goes to your state's tax agency. Filing them together is convenient, but they're processed separately.

What if I moved to a different state in 2022?

You may owe returns to both your old state and your new state for the portion of the year you lived in each. Check both states' websites for their rules on part-year residents. You'll typically file a part-year return for each state showing only the income earned while you lived there.

Can I file my state taxes before my federal taxes?

Yes, you can file your state return first. However, many people file federal first because the state return sometimes asks for information from the federal return. Filing federal first makes the state filing faster, but it's not required.

What happens if I file my state taxes late?

Late filing can result in penalties and interest charges added to any taxes you owe. The amount varies by state. If you're owed a refund, filing late doesn't trigger penalties, but you'll delay receiving your money. File as soon as you have your documents ready.

Is there a fee to file my state taxes online?

Your state's official online filing portal is always free. Tax software may charge a fee for state filing, though some offer free state filing for certain income levels. Compare costs before you choose a method.