Hello Amy,
I was able to resolve the issue and e-file my Alabama taxes online. The problem was corrupted software.
Here's how it unfolded and became resolved:
- Around two weeks ago (mid-March), TT pushed out an update. The update install failed (many updates before it installed just fine). This left my copy of TTD4W useless; the software got stuck in an endless update loop.
- Uninstalling TTD4W then failed when attempted, leaving me with no working copy of TTD4W.
- Research revealed a suggestion from a TT community user to use the download installer to attempt a re-install over itself. This worked and got me back up and running but orphaned my Missouri add-on state purchase (Alabama was my "free" state selection).
- Research revealed a utility offered by TT to "clean installed state modules." I downloaded and ran this to uninstall Missouri. On the next TTD4W startup, the software correctly reinstalled Missouri.
- At e-file time, I was prompted for my driver's license or state ID information (same for my wife). This was provided. TTD4W would not transmit any tax return (federal, Missouri or Alabama).
- I successfully transmitted federal and Missouri individually. Alabama would not transmit and stayed stuck in a driver's license information input loop.
- Using the TT state cleanup utility to remove Alabama failed to resolve this; the software did not actually remove Alabama (no automatic reinstall by the TTD4W software was attempted).
- Using the Windows "App" management feature of Windows Settings, I was able to perform a "repair" of TTD4W.
- TTD4W then performed an installation (re-installation) of Alabama state, which allowed me to submit my e-file return.
The root cause was the bad patch update push from TT back in March that initially corrupted my copy of TTD4W.
I hope this article is helpful to anyone who might encounter a similar situation. Please take care and stay safe and healthy.
- Gary H (engineer by education and profession)
