topic Re: Error Code 54 in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Error Code 54

Bobbymeatballs — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 03:05:07 GMT

Purchased at BJ's yesterday. Unable to submit files. Receiving error code 54. This is my first time using Turbo Tax, I usually us Block software. I chose TurboTax because I needed to file form 1041 which Block does not appear to support. Well this is not a good experience by any means...

Re: Error Code 54

danddwarner — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 00:20:41 GMT

I'm getting the same message when trying to electronically file 1041 and CA541! Says not using the latest updates, so I updated, still not working - still getting error code 54. Very frustrating, Turbo Tax!

Re: Error Code 54

sloneranch33 — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 16:23:21 GMT

I am having same problem on Feb 17, 2024. Still no fix!!!

Re: Error Code 54

Ranchhand — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 18:15:30 GMT

Same here. Manually updated, no joy. Pretty sad paying for a program Intuit has not properly QC'd. Evidently Intuit doesn't monitor this community. They've been silent.

Re: Error Code 54

CatinaT1 — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 18:18:47 GMT

Here are several troubleshooting steps that you can try:

If you are using a downloaded version, uninstall and reinstall the program from your MyDownloads folder. How do I find my TurboTax for Windows software download?
If that doesn't help, or you downloaded TurboTax from a CD, try a manual update. What is a manual update?
Turning off your VPN and anti-virus software during the update can help as well.

@Bobbymeatballs @sloneranch33 @Ranchhand

Re: Error Code 54

CatinaT1 — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 18:20:49 GMT

Here are several troubleshooting steps that you can try:

If you are using a downloaded version, uninstall and reinstall the program from your MyDownloads folder. How do I find my TurboTax for Windows software download?
If that doesn't help, or you downloaded TurboTax from a CD, try a manual update. What is a manual update?
Turning off your VPN and anti-virus software during the update can help as well.

@danddwarner

Re: Error Code 54

Ranchhand — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 18:46:37 GMT

@CatinaT1 Thanks for your response. Here's a follow-up. Just now successfully eFiled LLC return. Tried to eFile a Trust return that was previously unsuccessful; still unsuccessful. Prior to my previous post had force uninstalled and then reinstalled and manually updated. Don't have a CD. Thanks again for your response.

Re: Error Code 54

alfoytek — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 18:50:54 GMT

I have the same problem and needs, i.e. to efile 1041 & 541.

Is this being addressed by Intuit?

Is someone from the company listening?

Re: Error Code 54

alfoytek — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 20:35:46 GMT

@CatinaT1 I uninstalled the software. Redownloaded. Installed the software again and got the same error, 54.

Is there anything else I can try?

Last year there was a similar problem which turned out to be a setting in the transfer file. It was set to test.

Re: Error Code 54

alfoytek — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 20:35:19 GMT

@CatinaT1 There was no manual update for the 1041 or state software. So, could not try this.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/update-products/manually-update-turbotax-windows-software-basic/L3Wf9OPaf_US_en_US?uid=lsqjccro

Re: Error Code 54

CatinaT1 — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 20:54:59 GMT

The engineers are looking into it. We will update you with the information once we know more.

Re: Error Code 54

CatinaT1 — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 21:03:27 GMT

UPDATE:

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

Please let me know if you are successful.

@Bobbymeatballs @sloneranch33 @Ranchhand

Re: Error Code 54

CatinaT1 — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 21:05:15 GMT

UPDATE:

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

Please let me know if you are successful.

Re: Error Code 54

alfoytek — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 21:09:09 GMT

Yes, I was successful. It may have been due to the last update I did today as you indicated it was fixed but I thought it was due to my turning off Windows virus and threat protection features.

I either case, I am good now. Files for both 1041 and CA 541 are submitted.

Re: Error Code 54

Ranchhand — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 22:25:54 GMT

Great but bummer, just dropped the return in the mail.

Re: Error Code 54

kleino1 — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 19:07:26 GMT

This issue is NOT resolved. I have updated the software (message says "software is up to dat) and I cannot efile my CA partnership returns. The engineers have NOT fixed this issue and is consistent with yearly bugs that waste customers time. I do not recall a year without some problem with turbotax. How do I get this issue fixed? Screen video: https://app.screencast.com/ZnmQr8NI8OrSO

Re: Error Code 54

MarilynG1 — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 17:01:56 GMT

Have you tried running a Manual Update? Turning off all anti-virus software?

Have you already Efiled your Federal return, and it's been Accepted? If this applies, here's more info on Filing Federal and State Returns Separately.

Have you checked that all your California Forms are ready?

@kleino1

Re: Error Code 54

peterboo1 — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 06:31:41 GMT

The link to find out how to uninstall the downloaded version only tells me how to install, not uninstall.

There is no My Downloads folder on my computer, so I don't know where to look for the program to uninstall.

I then tried the manual update you recommended. It took several minutes to install and said it was successfully installed.

I still get the same Error Code 54 when I try to transmit the 1041 Federal and Cal Estate/Trust forms that took me several hours to complete.

Any other bright ideas? Maybe you should pass this up the troubleshoot line of command to someone who may know how to fix the problem.

Re: Error Code 54

LeticiaF1 — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 14:09:55 GMT

This error is generally because your software is not updated. First try correcting this by:

Update your Software:
- Select Check for Updates in the Online menu
Run as Administrator:
- Right-click the TurboTax icon
- Choose Properties
- Go to the Compatibility tab
- Select Run this program as an administrator
Check System Time:
- Ensure your computer's date and time are accurate, as discrepancies can cause secure handshake failures with the IRS.
Clear Cache:
- For business products, try clearing the "Electronic Filing" cache
Firewall/VPN:
- Temporarily disable VPNs or antivirus software during the update and filing process.

If the error continues, you can print your return and mail it. How do I file my return by mail?

How do I contact TurboTax?

@peterboo1