{"id":41326,"date":"2019-01-15T14:32:55","date_gmt":"2019-01-15T20:32:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/?p=41326"},"modified":"2021-08-11T11:07:32","modified_gmt":"2021-08-11T16:07:32","slug":"state-taxes-before-federal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/deadlines-and-extensions\/state-taxes-before-federal\/","title":{"rendered":"Can I File My State Taxes Before My Federal Taxes?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Filing taxes for most taxpayers in most states means filing a federal and a state return. Usually, federal and any state returns should be filed at the same time. However, if you\u2019re wondering if you can file your state taxes before your federal taxes, we can help you understand your options.<\/p>\n

Filing by Mail. <\/strong>If you\u2019re planning to file paper forms for both your federal and state returns, you can file your state return before your federal return. You may be considering this option if your goal is to use your state refund to pay for your federal tax liability. While this approach could work if you have enough time to receive the refund, you’ll still need information from the federal return to complete the state return.<\/p>\n

Filing by E-file. <\/strong>If you\u2019re planning to file electronically through e-file<\/a>, you won\u2019t be able to e-file your state taxes before you e-file your federal taxes. Generally, e-file programs require you to file your federal return first, then file any state returns.<\/p>\n

What If My Federal E-file Is Pending?<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re filing your federal and state returns using an online program, you’ll need to file your federal return first. If your federal e-file is pending, you should wait until the IRS accepts your federal return before you e-file your state return.<\/p>\n

Have questions about your federal e-file pending status? If you\u2019re using H&R Block Online tax products, you can find additional information about what to do if your e-file status is pending or not updating<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Filing taxes for most taxpayers in most states means filing a federal and a state return. Usually, federal and any state returns should be filed at the same time. However, if you\u2019re wondering if you can file your state taxes before your federal taxes, we can help you understand your options. Filing by Mail. If you\u2019re […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":658,"featured_media":41358,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[25,54],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-41326","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-irs","category-deadlines-and-extensions"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"File State Taxes Before Federal Taxes | H&R Block<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Wondering if you can file your state taxes before your federal taxes? 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