More about income tax e-file

More about income tax e-file

E-file allows you to prepare your return using tax preparation software and to file your return electronically.

New York State full-year residents and part-year residents, and even out-of-state taxpayers, can e-file New York State returns.

The software helps identify all of the deductions and credits you're entitled to. It also identifies return errors so that you can correct them before you file.  We can process error-free returns without delay and issue your refund quickly. 

See FreeFile and our list of approved software vendors for more information.

Safe and secure

E-file is more secure than mailing a tax return. Software companies deliver your return through a highly secure, encrypted transmission system to prevent any access to data as it moves between your tax software and the Tax Department. 

E-filed return data goes directly into our processing systems, with no human intervention. When you mail in a tax return, people open your envelope, assemble your return in the proper order, and enter or scan your data into our processing system.

If you still have safety concerns, read the privacy policy and support information on your software providers web site to find more information about their e-file technology. 

Fees

Half of all New York State taxpayers can prepare and e-file both their federal and state income tax returns at no cost through FreeFile. 

Many New Yorkers already purchase software to prepare their tax returns.  While software providers can charge you for using their software to prepare and calculate your tax return, they can't charge extra for e-filing.   So e-filing won't cost more than paper filing.

The Tax Department doesn't charge a fee for e-filing.

Using a paid tax preparer

Tax professionals authorized to e-file federal tax returns can e-file New York State tax returns on your behalf.

We send an electronic acknowledgment to your preparer confirming that your return was received and accepted.

Pub 84, New York State Handbook for E-Filers of Personal Income Tax Returns is an excellent source of details on rules for tax professionals. It outlines their responsibilities, common filing errors, penalties, contact information and other related subjects.

Forms you can e-file

Almost every personal income tax return can be e-filed, including nonresident or part-year resident returns. Here's a short list of returns that you can't e-file:

  • returns for a tax period other than calendar year 2011
  • amended returns
  • prior-year returns
  • returns with a foreign mailing address other than U.S. military overseas addresses (APO or FPO). Note: A return with a U.S. mailing address, but with a Foreign Permanent Address is acceptable.

For forms See  E-file - Forms and Publications for Tax Year 2011. Note that software providers may not support all of these forms. Check with your software provider about the forms they support.

Signing your return

Signing your e-file New York State return is easy.  Your software will guide you through the necessary steps to sign your return.

Acknowledgment that the department received your return

We issue an acknowledgment to ndicate that we received and accepted your return. Your software will tell you how to get your acknowledgment.

A small percentage of e-filed returns have errors.  If your return has an error, your acknowledgment will indicate that the department rejected your return, and identify the error so that you can fix it.  You can resubmit the corrected return electronically. 

Don't mail a copy of your New York State tax return

There is no need to mail a copy of your return to the tax department.  Keep a copy of your completed return with your other tax documents (e.g., Forms W-2, W-2G, 1099-DIV, 1099-INT, and 1099-R).

However, if you owe money and do not choose one of our electronic payment options, you must mail your payment with a Form IT-201-V, Payment Voucher for E-Filed Income Tax Returns.

Refunds 

E-file with direct deposit is the fastest way to get your tax refund.  Select direct deposit and provide your banking information using your e-file software.

You may also select the debit card refund option. If you don't select direct deposit or debit card refund options,we'll mail you a check for your refund. 

Paying an amount due on an e-filed return  

Method How it works

Directly from your bank account (electronic funds withdrawal)

 When you complete your return, choose Electronic Funds Withdrawal to make your 2011 return or extension payment electronically Your software will guide you to provide your banking information and the select the date you want the amount withdrawn. We will not withdraw more than the amount that you authorize. 

Check or money order

Mail your payment with a Voucher for Individual e-filed Returns (Form IT-201-V) by following the instruction on the form.
Credit Card

You may use a credit card to pay an amount due on an e-filed return.

Correcting a mistake on an e-filed return  

If...

Then...
We find the error and reject your e-file return

Correct the error that caused the rejection and any other errors you noticed after transmitting. Then retransmit the corrected return.

You find an error after we accepted your e-file return.

Correct the error by completing an Amended Tax Return and mailing the paper return to us. You cannot e-file the amended return.

 

Last Modified: February 10, 2012