@BillM223
The missing bar code for tax year 2024 is a problem for me and other Missouri tax payers who cannot e-file, so please don't say that it's not a problem because most taxpayers can e-file. It may not be a problem for you, but it is a problem for me. Per TurboTax: "Returns with form MO-TC Miscellaneous Income Tax Credits are not eligible for electronic filing. TurboTax does not support this information to be filed electronically. The good news is you can still print your Missouri return and file it by mail." I would far prefer to e-file.
You say that the 2-D barcode is needed only if you are e-filing, then you say that e-filing converts everything to XML data with no forms (no pdf, including shading, lines, and boxes) which suggests there's no place or need for a 2-D barcode in the electronically transmitted data/files. I'm sorry, but that's quite contradictory. The 2-D barcode is only for the paper forms, and its use is optional.
Yes, you are correct that a 2-D barcode is not required for Missouri filing, however TurboTax has included the 2-D barcode on the printed MO-1040 for at least tax years 2011 through 2023. I have found no information as to why it suddenly is missing this year, nor have been provided a satisfactory explanation in two long discussions with telephone support. I think everyone asking/commenting here is aware that the 2-D barcode is not a requirement for paper filing, but is helpful in avoiding errors as it bypasses manual data entry of the tax return data by Missouri Department of Revenue employees. It has also been unclear if Intuit will at some point add the 2-D barcode forms/capability with an update. I was told that the Missouri forms would likely be updated on or about Feb 27 with the 2-D barcode forms/support during my first customer support phone call. I would have just gone ahead and mailed my return without it, but I did want to give Intuit a chance to correct the underlying issue or update the forms before I did. Having e-file and 2-D barcode unavailable each reduce the value of TurboTax for me, leaving me more likely to seek alternatives. An additional problem new for this year is that TurboTax 2024 does not handle the combination of Federal e-filing and State mail filing as well as it did for tax year 2023. Now, once e-filing is chosen for the Federal return, no "Print my state return to file by mail now" option is offered. (Please don't say this is not a problem because most people e-file. I have found a fairly easy way to work around this and get the forms printed, but it still isn't TurboTax at its best.)
