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iDas
Level 2
February 16, 2024
Solved

Failed to e-file!

  • February 16, 2024
  • 20 replies
  • 170 views

FAILED_VALIDATION: Error Code 54

This version of TurboTax is no longer current. You must ... blah blah Check for Updates and then you can e-file. 

 

I checked for updates half a dozen times already and no new updates are coming through, and I can't e-file either. I bought this edition from Amazon. Did Intuit just give Amazon a piece of junk to sell to their customers? Or are these e-file updates "still in progress" and not even available to download, like so many users had reported. This is already Feb 16th, though, not Jan 29th. Please clarify. Thx

Best answer by CatinaT1

UPDATE:

 

This has been resolved. Please run an update and try filing again.

Please let me know if you are successful.

 

@iDas @catnanny 

20 replies

Level 2
February 16, 2025

I'm still getting this error also. Called the 1-800 number and they were no help. I purchased from Amazon also.

Level 2
February 16, 2025

This was the actual error I was getting that they solved

Level 2
February 16, 2025

I am having the same issue on Windows -- My Turbox Home & Business purchased directly from Intuit Turbotax says Failed_Validation updates needed.  BUT when I do a check for updates, the response is Updates are Current. FIX THIS PLEASE! 

 

 

Level 2
February 17, 2025

I had the exact same problem. My error said "Failed_Validation" blah, blah, blah. It wouldn't let me e-file until I installed the update. I checked the online menu and clicked on "Check for updates". It told me that my software was up to date...it wasn't, same issue. I downloaded the "superpatch", ran it and it said the patch was applied. Tried to e-file again, same issue. I uninstalled then re-installed again, still no luck. I ended up uninstalling TT and re-downloaded the software from the place that I bought from, (Staples). I re-installed and opened the program. My return came up. I checked all of the info, payment, DL, and all other info that I had entered on my saved return and hit, the transmit button and it went through. The trick seemed to be, uninstall, re-download the program from the seller, re-install and continue where you left off...I really hope this works for you. Good luck!!!

Level 2
March 17, 2025

Having the same error code and it is now 3/17, last date to file.   Ugh!

I have already transmitted 2 other filings two days ago, so I know it works.  

Level 12
March 19, 2025

Can you clarify if you have tried the manual updated provided by MarilynG1?  There is a way to manually update your TurboTax software.  Per TurboTax, "If you're having trouble updating your TurboTax 2024 for Windows Individual software using the "Check for Updates" method, here are instructions for how you can get the latest federal program update:

  1. Close TurboTax and all other programs except this browser window.
  2. Select this link to download the 319 MB update.
  3. Save the update file to your Windows desktop.
  4. Double-click the update file w_perrelsuperpatch... on your desktop to install the manual update."

See the link below:

 

@dmachado17 

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Level 3
January 31, 2026

This is happening again as of Jan  31, 2026.

 

FAILED_VALIDATION: Error Code 54

This version of TurboTax is no longer current. You must ... blah blah Check for Updates and then you can e-file. 

 

VolvoGirl
Level 15
January 31, 2026

If you can’t update your Windows program try doing a Manually update.  Don't know if it's only for personal programs or for Business too.
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/updating/help/manually-update-turbotax-for-windows-software-basic-deluxe-premier-home-business/00/26041

Level 2
January 31, 2026

I just got the same error in TT Business.  I downloaded and installed the manual patch and got the same error again.

 

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/update-products/manually-update-turbotax-business-software/L3WqYBBgc_US_en_US

 

Level 2
February 2, 2026

Still does not work,

checked for updates and says software current.

Still get "Failed validation code 54"

efile wont work

Level 2
February 2, 2026

Now working with Business 2025 and have same problem as others had in 2024.  Found post saying need to download an update w.bizrel superpatch (etc.)  did it but didn't fix.

I have been TurboTax user for many years but they have become next to impossible to receive any customer service.  Now they have known program issues but don't tell anybody and AI won't let you reach an agent.

 

 

 

Level 2
March 27, 2026

I am on TurboTax Mac. My federal return e-filed successfully, but the California state return fails with Error 54. Download Latest Updates shows no new updates. I cannot remove or refresh Form 8453 manually on Mac. Tried the other suggestions from other end-users, but were unsuccessful. I had already paid the $25 e-file. How can Mac users obtain a patch to our Mac TurboTax installation that resolves California Error 54?  Thank you.

Level 2
March 28, 2026

Error 54 typically indicates a transmission or authentication error while e-filing. Here are several troubleshooting steps that you can try, if you haven't already:

 

I have not seen this issue reported for Mac elsewhere internally as yet, but will keep it on my radar.

 

@user17745956975 

Level 2
April 13, 2026
 

I'm having the same issue and don't know how to resolve it.

Level 15
April 13, 2026

Please confirm the following for us if you could:
 

  • Error message received
  • Is their return being rejected, or not being able to file? (EFE shows rejected)
  • What version of the product are they using?

@onesoulsound98 

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Level 2
April 14, 2026

I also bought from amazon : turbo tax home and business. It is not allowing me to efile to due to the version of turbo tax. I just bought and latest version and downloaded  the latest software. What is going on!!!

Level 12
April 14, 2026

Try the following troubleshooting tips that can help with your issue:

 

  1. Make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements.
  2. Make sure you have administrator rights on your computer and TurboTax is running as administrator:
    • Right-click the TurboTax icon or setup icon and select Properties. In the Compatibility tab, select the Run this program as administrator box and select OK.
  3. In the Control Panel under Internet Options, add https://*.intuit.com to Trusted Sites. Set security level to Medium.
  4. Turn off antivirus software and Windows Defender.
    • Add TurboTax Desktop to your allowed apps in Windows Defender.
  5. Clean up and defragment your hard drive.
  6. Run Windows Update to keep your computer up-to-date.
  7. Update your computer's hardware drivers.
  8. Update your security software for firewall, virus, and spyware protection.
  9. Make sure you're the only user on your computer running TurboTax. If you're not, switch users and sign out of TurboTax from the other account. If you can't do that, shut down your computer and try again. (Error: 70001)

Troubleshoot TurboTax Desktop for Windows issues

 

@csyadav8