I am having the exact same problem, and this is a SERIOUS error. When it happened the first time, I thought the issue was that I started online and imported to Desktop, and maybe something was funky with the import (I've used Desktop the last few years because of multiple tax returns for the whole household but for whatever reason I did a quick start online for mine). I ended up 100% redoing mine -- same issue, at the point where it asks for the Audit Protection (and by the way, will not let you refuse or say "don't ask again"), it "resets to zero" and suddenly finds the same filing status errors, no matter how many times you correct it.
Couldn't fix it or get it to show correctly -- every time I got to the "file federal return" it said zero, so I started a new one and did my husband's tax return, and the exact same thing happened. It has to be a bug in the software version because I've now drafted 3 different returns, had it happen with both "Single" and "Head of Household" filing status.
*Edit* to add that "skipping smart review" and trying to go straight to final review or efile DID NOT WORK.
Updating 03/04/2026 in case this helps anyone: I think the problem is with the "Smart Check". Today I opened Desktop Deluxe app, checked the status was correct under Personal Info, then went straight to the "File" tab, and was able to efile all returns as long as I didn't stray into the "Review" section. I didn't go back to or check any other sections, knowing that I had input everything yesterday. I downloaded copies before I transmitted and verified the filing status and the return $ were correct.
