What is the difference between filing a full federal and state tax return, and filing a simplified state return?

Most taxpayers file a full federal and state tax return at the same time, by providing all of their household, income, and deduction information. By providing all this information, they can correctly report any taxes owed to the federal or state government or claim a refund through payments and credits. In order to file their full returns, they must have all of the tax documents, including W-2s and 1099s.

Filing a simplified state tax return is an alternative option offered through SimpleFile. This simplified process allows eligible individuals, who are not required to file, to claim a refund through some state credits by providing only their household information. They do not need their tax documents to complete this process. 

Filing a full federal and state tax return may be a good option for you if you:
- Have all of your tax documents, and
- Had earned income during the year from a job or contract work

Filing a simplified state return may be a good option for you if you:
- Can't access your tax documents, or
- Didn't have earned income during the year from a job or contract work

Click here to see if you qualify for simplified filing as a full-year Colorado resident.

Click here to see if you qualify for simplified filing as a full-year New Jersey resident.