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If you haven't already, you should complete all of the entries in your Federal return before completing the State return. Much of the information needed for the State return will populate automatically from what was entered in the Federal return.   If you are stuck in a loop, try these steps:   Clear your browser browser cache/cookies Log out of TurboTax Restart your device Log back in If the problem persists, try switching browsers. Some users have found that either Edge or Chrome worked well.  

I agree that your friend would not qualify because the strict wording of "qualified taxpayer" is surviving spouse or spouse filing a joint return. This seems to skirt the issue that the former spouse was married to a servicemember to be entitled to the retirement, so there was "service and sacrifice" as indicated in the purpose of the actual law, but I suppose this would also not address the potential of a double exclusion (if they both claimed $20,000 on their tax returns for one pension).   Also, in 2026 the amended version of the law eliminated the "qualified taxpayer".    @VolvoGirl 

Please clarify. What part of the program are you working on?   Please see this TurboTax tips article for ways you can boost your refund this year, and this one that describes the new tax law changes this year that may increase your refund.   In case you are referring to the TurboTax Refund Advance, see this help article for details.    

The IRS will refund any payment(s) you have made above your final tax liability number for the year (Form 1040 Line 24). To enter your estimated tax payments (FAQ) for the year into your federal, state, and/or local tax return calculation: Navigate to the estimated tax payments section: TurboTax Online/Mobile: Go to estimated tax payments under Deductions & Credits. TurboTax Desktop: Go to the Federal Taxes, then Deductions & Credits. Select Estimates and Other Taxes Paid. Select Start or Revisit next to the type of estimated tax payment you'd like to enter under Estimated Tax Payments. Enter the amount of estimated tax you paid at each of the quarterly due dates.

If TurboTax freezes without options to quit, try these options:   Clear cache and cookies. (if using an Online version), or disable firewall/antivirus (if using a Desktop version).  Try restarting your device and updating the software. To update the TurboTax desktop software, select Check for Updates under the Online menu (Windows) or the TurboTax menu (Mac) at the top of the application. If automatic updates fail, see this help article to manually update Windows, or this help article for Mac.  Sometimes just waiting about 10 minutes resolves the issue. The program may be processing in the background.  

If you're entering the adjusted cost basis of stocks and/or other securities you sold during the year, reported on Form 1099-B or 1099-DA, generally, it is the original purchase price you paid for the investments +/- any costs of purchase, such as commissions. There are additional resources you can rely on to help you derive your tax cost basis; see, TurboTax - Cost Basis: Tracking Your Tax Basis   If you received stock shares as a gift, you'll determine their basis using this guidance: TurboTax - How do I determine the cost basis of stock I received as a gift?    Guidance on calculating the basis of stocks from the IRS: Stocks and Bonds The basis of stocks or bonds you buy is generally the purchase price plus any costs of purchase, such as commissions and recording or transfer fees. If you get stocks or bonds other than by purchase, your basis is usually determined by the fair market value (FMV) or the previous owner's adjusted basis of the stock. You must adjust the basis of stocks for certain events that occur after purchase. See Stocks and Bonds in chapter 4 of Pub. 550 for more information on the basis of stock. See IRS Pub. 551 - Basis of Assets See also: IRS - Pub. 550, Investment income and expenses

To enter, edit or delete estimated taxes paid (Federal, State, Local) - Click on Federal Taxes (Personal using Home and Business) Click on Deductions and Credits Click on I'll choose what I work on (if shown) Scroll down to Estimates and Other Taxes Paid On Estimated Tax Payments, click on the start or update button   On Federal estimated taxes for 2025 (Form 1040-ES), click the start button   Federal estimated taxes paid are entered on Form 1040 Line 26