SSA

[Phiero]

Turbo Tax won't file electronically - it reviews my non-taxable Social Security, asks what my SS benefits are on line 5a of my 2018 1040, & then says it won't e-file  - do it by mail.  What's up?

[ColeenD3]

Did you have any other income besides the Social Security? If not, that is why it will not e-file. Your return can't be blank and your SS would not be taxable.

[xmasbaby0]

You said 2018 1040?  E-filing is permanently closed for 2018 returns.  You cannot e-file a 2018 return.  It has to be printed, signed and mailed.  Only a 2019 tax return can be e-filed.

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s.  Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

[VolvoGirl]

If you only get SS it is not taxable and you do not have to file a return.  And there is no benefit in claiming dependents or deductions.   And you can't efile a return with no taxable income.  If you want to file you will have to print and mail it.  Or you can try adding $1 of interest to let you efile.  Make up a fake 1099Int.

Enter a 1099-Int  under

Federal

Wages & Income

 Interest and Dividends

Interest on 1099INT - Click the Start or Update button

Put the interest amount in box 1

[Phiero]

I'm trying to e-file a 2019 1040 - the TT review referenced the 2018 1040.

[VolvoGirl]

What is the exact message?  It should not need to know your 2018 Social Security to efile.   Is it maybe asking about 2018schedule A line 5a to see if a state refund you got is taxable?

Did you enter a 1099G for a state refund?  

A State Tax Refund is taxable if you itemized deductions on that prior year's federal return and took a deduction for state income taxes instead of the sale tax.  You got a deduction benefit for it so now you have to include it as income. If you took the standard deduction it is not taxable and you don't need to report it.

If you Itemized Deductions you would have a Schedule A in your return.  How much is on you 2018 1040 line 8?  You may have taken the Standard Deduction instead.  

[Phiero]

Yes, I did have other income.

[Phiero]

When TT did a final check, it asked me to review an input.  It said it should be on line 5a of my 2018 1040.  I didn't itemize deductions in 2018.  I'm in Florida, so no state income tax.