E-filing your state return is just as easy as e-filing your federal return. Most states are subject to Joint Electronic Filing (JELF) which requires that your federal return be e-filed before you attempt to e-file your state return.

 

Arkansas, Hawaii, and Oklahoma are referred to as "true" JELF states and require you to e-file your state and federal returns at the same time.

 

North Dakota and South Carolina, "preferred" JELF states, require that your federal return has been submitted and accepted before you can e-file your state return.

 

California, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, and Minnesota all have their own e-file processing systems. This means you can e-file a state return independently of your federal return.

 

New Hampshire and Tennessee do not accept e-filed returns so you will have to submit them by mail.