Interesting... my experience with state taxes is usually just transferring numbers from your federal form, but I have never lived in MN. Haro, I wouldn't pay additional money to get state forms until you look at the state form first and decide if it is something that you can fill out easily.

The state form IS easy, you just need to know which sections and fields you can skip over. The basic MN form is about 5 times longer than the 1040EZ.
And I disagree that doing it online is quicker. I had my federal and state taxes completed and in the mail at the end of February, I got my refunds the next week.

I like the free method through us.gov. It saves me from having to pay an enormous fee and I get the money deposited right into my checking account in a 7 - 10 days. This year might be a little trickier cuz I think I have to file a Ohio state form since I worked there for 3 days and got my gross was $400. Is there a minimum amount that if you make less than you don't have to file the state form? Anyone???

That'* a real long version of www.taxact.com ... yes it'* free (their base package) and it is AWESOME! The program walks you through everything, it'* idiot-proof... okay, idiot-resistant. I've used it the last two years, my dad'* used them the last 4 or so. This year I'll pay the $7.95 or whatever it is to e-file and get an electronic refund... much faster and I don't have to mess with USPS Certified Mail. TaxAct has some upgraded packages you can buy too, if you want extra stuff.

Edit: heck, I just checked their site again, and e-file is included FREE with the standard free package this year. Sweeeet! Again, highly recommended.

Scotty, that sounds very similiar to www.ufile.ca

I've been using it for years. Cost me $13 bux, its like having an accountant hold your hand while doing your taxes.

Why bother with certified mail?? You can file early and check the refund status online... why do you need to send it certified?

I'm not using Certified this year, I'm e-filing (which is free thru taxact.com)... that was my point. With something as important as my tax return however, if I was snail mailing it I'd use Certified Mail so I get a receipt back and I know it arrived! Otherwise I'd have no proof that it was ever sent, as far as the IRS is concerned and I ever got audited.