Should I attach the entire 1041 with California 541 or just the three pages that TurboTax Business included during the print for filing process?

[trudgingalong]

I'm using the downloaded desktop version of the program.

[LindaS5247]

You can prepare California Form 541 return in TurboTax, but you will have to print and mail this return to the State since this Form cannot be e-filed in TurboTax. 

I would include in your paper filing, any Forms that TurboTax prints out with your CA State Tax Return.

The CA website instructions to Form 541 list the following as to what needs to be filed with Form 541:

E. Additional Forms the Fiduciary May Have to File

In addition to Form 541, the fiduciary must file a separate Schedule K-1 (541) or an FTB‑approved substitute for each beneficiary.

Schedule K-1 (541) line items are similar to the federal Schedule K-1 (Form 1041), Beneficiary’s Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc. See Schedule K-1 Federal/State Line References chart on page 39, and Specific Line Instructions when completing Schedule K-1 (541).

Trusts that only hold assets related to an IRC Section 1361(d) election should include all of the trust’s items of income and deductions on the Schedule K-1 (541) of the beneficiary who made the election and should write “QSST” across the top of the Schedule K-1 (541) (the trust is treated as a grantor trust with respect to such beneficiary).

Trusts that hold assets related to an IRC Section 1361(d) election and other assets not related to an IRC Section 1361(d) election should provide its beneficiary or beneficiaries with separate Schedules K-1 (541). One for the income and deductions from the assets related to the IRC Section 1361(d) election and one for the income and deductions from the other assets. The Schedule K-1 (541) for the income and deductions for the IRC Section 1361(d) assets should include all of the trust’s items of income and deductions from such assets. Write “QSST” across the top of the Schedule K-1 (541).

We suggest you print and mail using a certified mail receipt so you can track the delivery.

Below are the instructions to print your return:
 

1. Sign in to your TurboTax account and open your return by selecting Continue or Pick up where you left off.
2. Select Tax Tools from the left menu, then Print Center (on mobile devices, tap in the upper left corner to expand the menu)
3. Select Print, save, or preview this year's return, and follow any additional instructions.
4. Once your PDF opens in Adobe Acrobat Reader, select the printer icon near the top
5. Make any adjustments in the Print window and then select Print at the bottom

See additional information in the link below:

California e-file for Fiduciaries 

Click here for CA.gov Form 541 Instructions.

[trudgingalong]

Thank you for replying so quickly. I'm planning on mailing both the 1041 and the 541 at the post office, first class certified mail, so e-filing isn't an issue. The desktop program only added the three pages of the 1041, itself, and none of the schedules or forms that were generated with it. When I Googled whether to include more with the 541, many insisted that everything from the 1041 goes along to California. That's the problem with a Google search; you never know what you're going to get, or how reliable it actually is. So, for certain, just add only the three pages, then? And also no supporting 1099s? None of them show any withholding tax. I don't want to cause a problem trying to solve one.

[AliciaP1]

Yes, just the 3 pages of the 1041 and no, do not include any 1099 copies with the return.

@trudgingalong 

[trudgingalong]

Thank you. You've made my day!

[trudgingalong]

I just thought of something else to anguish over, and as usual, a Google search for answers was not very helpful. Should I sign the accompanying 1041? Obviously, I sign and date the 541 and the copy of the 1041 I send to the IRS, but what about this version?

[CatinaT1]

Everything that is being sent along with the return is supporting documentation. As long as you have signed the California 541, that is sufficient. 

[trudgingalong]

Thank you. Next stop, the post office.