A handful of states have created their own tax software programs that allow taxpayers to complete their entire return and file it directly to the state for free - all through the state’s website.
States With Online Tax Return Software
These states allow taxpayers to prepare and submit their state tax returns through the state's website:
- California has two online tax preparation tools, CalFile and ReadyReturn. Ready Return is a program that uses your W-2s and prior year's tax return to create a pre-filled California return. This program is for taxpayers who have wages from only one employer and are filing as single or head of household. CalFile is not pre-filled and is open to taxpayers of all filing statuses with a federal AGI of up to $162,186 ($324,326 married filing joint).
- Maine offers I-File, a tax preparation and e-file program for taxpayers with relatively simple returns.
- Massachusetts has a program called WebFile for both individuals and businesses.