sending in state tax (NC) before federal tax?

Okay, I so got an extension until Feb 1, 2007 for my federal tax so I can meet the bona fide resident test.  However, I couldn't find a way to get an extension of my North Carolina state tax beyond 6 months, so it is due Oct 15.

I've filled out both tax forms, because the NC form has parts where you have to put values from the federal form (basically, they ask for your federal taxable income and then add back all the deductions and stuff that NC tax doesn't have but federal does). 

First, as I understand it, I can't file the federal until January, because I need to wait until I meet the bona fide resident test.  Is this correct?

And then, is it okay to send in North Carolina tax before sending in the federal tax?  It is due earlier, but I've never seperated them before and it seems a bit weird.

Thanks!

Yes, send your NC whenever it is done.  You should complete your Fed return first (since #s flow from Fed to NC).  You can complete your Fed now, just don't mail your Fed until Jan next year.

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