Why can't I enter in a value in the "Tax Before Credits (Form 1040 line 11)" field in my prior year Tax Return?

[TaxPayerInCalifornia]

It has a number that seems to be a copy of "Tax (Form 1040 line 12a)" and I can't edit it.  Its a lot lower than it should be.

[AnnetteB6]

Based on the situation you described, I think you are in the section where you are entering information to determine whether your state tax refund is taxable.  There are a couple of errors on that form that ask for you to enter the incorrect line numbers.

First, on the line where it asks for Form 1040 line 12a, it should be asking for Form 1040 line 11a.

Also, on the line where it asks for Form 1040 line 14, it should be asking for Form 1040 line 13.  

If you enter the correct number for line 11a where it requests line 12a, the problem you are seeing should be fixed.