topic Re: E-File is not available because your tax return includes forms that can't be e-filed in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

E-File is not available because your tax return includes forms that can't be e-filed

CompleteNoob — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 19:21:51 GMT

I’m an IHSS live-in provider and received two W-2 forms from two different clients. On both forms, Box 1 and Box 2 show $0. When entering them into TurboTax, I selected code II – Medicaid Waiver payments excluded... in Box 12, just like it appears on the W-2 forms, and I entered the amounts shown in Box 12a.

I do not qualify for the EITC, so when TurboTax asked “Do you want to add your Medicaid waiver payments to your income for this credit?” I selected No.

When I go through the Federal and State review sections, everything checks out with no errors. However, when I reach the final step, my Federal return shows “Not Ready to File.” When I click Change, I get this message:

“E-File is not available because your tax return includes forms that can't be e-filed.”

At first I thought this might be because TurboTax flagged the two W-2s as duplicates (since they have the same EIN), so I tried combining them into a single entry. Unfortunately, I still get the same message and can’t e-file my Federal return.

Has anyone run into this before or know what might be causing it?

Re: E-File is not available because your tax return includes forms that can't be e-filed

CompleteNoob — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 23:02:35 GMT

Anyone? Anything I can try? Is this a turbotax issue?

Re: E-File is not available because your tax return includes forms that can't be e-filed

DawnC — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:09:08 GMT

Did you try the tips in this help article? How do I enter my tax-exempt Medicaid waiver payments from IHSS in TurboTax? These steps will ensure your exempt income is reported accurately while still allowing you to e-file your return.

If you don't have any dollar amounts on your W-2, you qualify to exclude the income under IRS Notice 2014-7, and you don't expect to qualify for Earned Income Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit, then you don't need to enter the W-2 at all. And make sure you don't have any empty forms included by using the delete a form tool.

How to delete forms in TurboTax Online

How to delete forms in TurboTax Desktop

Re: E-File is not available because your tax return includes forms that can't be e-filed

mesquitebean — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:21:00 GMT

Do you have any other income? If you have a zero-income return, it won't allow you to efile.

Re: E-File is not available because your tax return includes forms that can't be e-filed

CompleteNoob — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 15:52:01 GMT

I read that people put $1 in box 1 and 2 as work around. I've tried this and still no go.

Re: E-File is not available because your tax return includes forms that can't be e-filed

CompleteNoob — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 16:04:20 GMT

Yes, I have read the link and followed the instructions in this section

I received a W-2 and Box 12 has code II

When I delete the W2 form and continue, I still can't e-file

Should I use the Tax Tool to clear & start over at this point?

Re: E-File is not available because your tax return includes forms that can't be e-filed

CompleteNoob — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 16:05:59 GMT

Jesus, it doesn't even allow me to clear & start over since I've already "paid", even though I didn't pay for anything. I think I need to contact tech support. This is a mess!