Do I pay state taxes on irs.org or separately? Getting confused about filing requirements

Wait so if I used TurboTax last year it would have done both? I honestly can't remember if I used the actual IRS site or a service like that. Is there any way to check if I filed state taxes last year? Would my state have sent me something if I hadn't?

Yes, if you used TurboTax or a similar service, it would have walked you through filing both federal and state taxes. Most of these services make it a seamless experience where you might not even realize you're filing two separate returns. You can check if you filed state taxes last year by logging into the tax preparation service you used, as they typically save your filing history. Alternatively, you can contact your state's tax agency directly - most have online portals where you can create an account to view your filing history. If you hadn't filed state taxes and were required to do so, your state would likely have sent you a notice or letter about the unfiled return, especially if you owed taxes.

How does the document analysis actually work? Like do you just take pictures of your W-2s and stuff or do you need to scan everything? I'm wondering if it would help me figure out my situation since I work remotely for a company in another state.

Sounds interesting but how accurate is it really? I've used other tax tools before that missed some important state deductions. Can it handle complicated state situations like partial-year residency or working in multiple states?

You can either take clear photos or scan your documents - both work great! The system can read and extract information from W-2s, 1099s, and other tax forms. It would definitely help with your remote work situation since it specifically analyzes state tax requirements based on where you live versus where your employer is located. For complicated situations, that's actually where it shines. It handles partial-year residency, multi-state income, and even reciprocity agreements between states. I was impressed because it caught that I qualified for a special credit in my new state that I had no idea about. The analysis breaks everything down by state and shows you exactly what forms you need to file where.

How exactly does this work? Do they just call for you or something? I don't get how they can get through faster than I can when calling the same number.

Yeah right. There's no way they can magically get past the IRS or state tax phone systems. Those systems are designed to keep everyone waiting. Sounds like a scam to me. They probably just keep you on hold the same amount of time and charge you for it.

They don't call for you - you still make the call yourself. Their system monitors the IRS or state tax agency phone lines and alerts you the moment there's an opening, then connects you immediately. It uses the same technology that companies use for their customer service operations. I was skeptical too, but it's legitimate. They use a proprietary system that continuously dials and tracks wait patterns to identify the best times to call. When there's a short wait time or an opening, you get an alert to call in. I was prepared to wait hours like usual, but got connected to a state tax representative in about 12 minutes. No magic - just smart technology that monitors the phone systems more efficiently than we can as individuals.

Do you know if these state portals also show if you owe money still? I filed state taxes last year but got a letter recently saying I have an outstanding balance, which seems wrong.

Yes, most state tax portals will show any outstanding balances you might have. They typically display your filing history, payment history, and any current amounts due including penalties or interest that might have accrued. If you received a letter saying you have an outstanding balance that you believe is incorrect, definitely log into your state's portal to verify. Sometimes there can be processing errors or payments that weren't properly credited to your account. The portal should show the breakdown of what they think you owe and why, which can help you determine if there's a legitimate issue or a mistake.

Were the penalties really bad? I think I might be in the same boat now that I'm reading this thread. I remember filing federal but can't remember doing state last year.