topic Why can’t I efile my state tax returns? in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Why can’t I efile my state tax returns?

nicholasanthonyr — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 11:06:23 GMT

Re: Why can’t I efile my state tax returns?

mesquitebean — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 11:24:22 GMT

Which state is it??? Here are a couple of possibilities for a state efile roadblock:

Did you already efile the Federal return first separately? If so, what is it's efile status? If efiled separately, you cannot efile the state return until the Federal return has been accepted.

Or perhaps one of your state forms is not yet available for efiling. Open your return interview and go through the REVIEW tab. Do you get any messages about why you can't efile it?

You can also check in this table to see if all your state forms are available:

State Forms Availability Table
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/forms/help/state-forms-availability-table-for-turbotax-individual-...

Re: Why can’t I efile my state tax returns?

dng — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 16:34:56 GMT

Why can’t I efile my state tax returns? it efile federal

Re: Why can’t I efile my state tax returns?

dng — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 16:36:44 GMT

mass it said to mail

Re: Why can’t I efile my state tax returns?

mesquitebean — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 22:51:54 GMT

@ dng wrote:

mass it said to mail

NOTE: You didn't provide any detail in your comment, so I don't even know what product you are using. This answer below assumes you are using Online TurboTax. If you are using desktop TurboTax (CD/download) installed on your computer, then part of the answer would be different for the desktop product.

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If you efiled the Federal return first, has it been accepted? Check at the Tax Home of your Online Account. If you efiled the Federal return first separately, you can't efile the Massachusetts return until the Federal return has been accepted for processing by the IRS.

So if the Federal return has already been accepted, try this:

Go through the REVIEW tab and see if it tells you why you can't efile the state return. Are there any messages there?

And when you go to the FILE section to select to efile the state return, is there any message there about not being able to efile?

Or has it been a while since you tried, and you want to try to efile again? If you haven't actually printed and mailed the MA return, here's how to open your return back up to try to efile again (if your Federal efile has already been accepted.)

If you haven't actually filed (mailed) the state return, you can open the return back up and change the filing method for the state return. If you encounter a roadblock, then describe exactly where it says you can't efile and any message it is giving you.

Log into your account, and at the Tax Home or in the section "Your Tax Returns & Documents" for 2019, look for a link "Add a State."
Click on "Add a State." (That doesn't really add one; that's just to open the return.)
Once the return is open, go through the REVIEW section to be sure everything is still in order.
Then go to the FILE section and change the filing method to efile.
Then continue on answering all the remaining screens and at the final step click a big orange button "Transmit Returns Now."

Also see my next comment below where I mention some MA state forms that are not supported for efiling.

Re: Why can’t I efile my state tax returns?

mesquitebean — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 22:44:53 GMT

@dng

Or do you have one of the Massachusetts forms in your return that is not supported for efile such as

MA Form 8582,

MA Schedule C-2,

Schedule INC

See this list of Massachusetts forms, and it will show which ones cannot be efiled. In the efile column it will say "unsupported."

https://care-cdn.prodsupportsite.a.intuit.com/forms-availability/turbotax_ma_online_individual.html

Re: Why can’t I efile my state tax returns?

aweaver40 — Sat, 18 Apr 2020 02:44:32 GMT

im not filing state return for Tennessee only California. Tennessee has no state tax

Re: Why can’t I efile my state tax returns?

mesquitebean — Sat, 18 Apr 2020 03:49:09 GMT

@aweaver40 wrote:
im not filing state return for Tennessee only California. Tennessee has no state tax

What is it you are wanting to know? You didn't ask any question or provide any details

Are you wanting to ask how to delete a state return that's not needed? Or were you wanting to ask something else about the 2 states?

And are you using Online TurboTax (web version) or the desktop software (CD/download)?

You didn't say which of those states is your resident state. Is California your resident state, or is Tennessee?

According to the FAQ at the link below, Tennessee residents only file a tax return if their interest and dividend income exceeded $1,250 ($2,500 for joint filers). This is the Hall income tax.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/state-taxes/help/which-states-don-t-have-income-tax/00/26063

If California is your resident state, you can still be taxed by California on Tennessee income even if no Tennessee state return is required. See if this FAQ pertains to you:

FAQ: Why does my tax free income from states with no income tax get taxed on my resident state return?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/state-taxes/help/why-does-tax-free-income-from-alaska-florida-new-hampshire-nevada-south-dakota-tennessee-texas/00/26120

Re: Why can’t I efile my state tax returns?

anthony340 — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 21:10:08 GMT

I'm not able to file my Massachusetts tax return electronically. I receive a Form 1099-R. And my Massachusetts pension isn't taxed. When I get to the following step in the State interview (using Turbo Tax Deluxe). I'm not sure if I'm suppose to add that figure amount into the box. And when I do include a figure. It indicates the following: "After manually entering an exclusion amount above, you will not be eligible to electronically file your Massachusetts tax return" I'm assuming I can mail the state in. Any help would be appreciated.

Re: Why can’t I efile my state tax returns?

mesquitebean — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 22:27:22 GMT

@anthony340

I'll see if someone familiar with retirement tax situations is familiar with Massachusetts pensions by any chance.

@dmertz When you are next in the forum, would you by any chance be familiar with this MA pension situation? Thanks.

Re: Why can’t I efile my state tax returns?

mesquitebean — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 22:47:59 GMT

@anthony340

Did you see the answer that was left for you back in April in this thread on how to enter a tax-exempt MA pension?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/retirement/discussion/re-do-i-enter-my-pension-distribution-amount-from-line-1-on-my-1099r-to-the-non-taxable-massac/01/1429523#M100957

It sounds like from that answer there that TurboTax automatically makes it tax-exempt in the state return section if you entered it correctly in the Federal section, then when you prepare the state return if you answered the proper question about tax-exempt pensions in the state section and used the dropdown box to indicate it was tax-exempt.

I'm just a fellow user--not a tax expert--and have no way to simulate it. I've asked someone familiar with retirement tax situations to assist you here, if they are familiar with MA returns. If not, we can tell you how to phone TurboTax Support.

Re: Why can’t I efile my state tax returns?

dmertz — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 00:05:36 GMT

I can't really help with MA questions. I would just suggest reviewing the MA instructions for preparing a MA tax return: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dor-personal-income-tax-forms-and-instructions#2019-massachusetts-personal-income-tax-forms-and-instructions-

Re: Why can’t I efile my state tax returns?

anthony340 — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 01:51:04 GMT

What was told to me in that persons answer couldn't be done. I went thru the steps in the Mass preparations. It didn't ask if you have tax exempt income from pensions or annuities. And there wasn't any CSA 1099R listed so that a drop down box for which to mark it tax exempt. I entered all the Federal tax questions correctly as far as I see.

Re: Why can’t I efile my state tax returns?

mesquitebean — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 02:36:22 GMT

@ anthony340

If you don't get any further comments in this user community forum from someone familiar with how TurboTax handles tax-exempt MA pensions on the MA state return, you can phone TurboTax Support tomorrow for realtime help during business hours.

When you right-click on that data box in the image that you provided above, is there any popup with an "about" link that provides any help/guidance for that screen? I know the Windows version often has such a popup for more info on various data screens; I don't know about Mac.

Also, since you have desktop software, if you go into Forms Mode and look at the state worksheets and forms, you might see how TurboTax is handling it on the actual worksheets/forms to see if they reflect the correct situation and conform to the state instructions dmertz provided the link for above.

Support hours are 5AM-5PM Pacific (8AM-8PM Eastern), Mon-Fri

You can use this contact form to get an incident number and phone number. Or it may schedule a call back.
https://support.turbotax.intuit.com/contact

Re: Why can’t I efile my state tax returns?

sidersjga — Sat, 11 Jul 2020 19:26:37 GMT

I keep getting a "cancelled" message when trying to e-file my state return. I successfully e-filed my federal return and it has been accepted. I've deleted cookies and tried a different browser. What other steps can I take to electronically file via TurboTax? I have film credits which must be filed electronically. Thanks.

Re: Why can’t I efile my state tax returns?

mesquitebean — Sat, 11 Jul 2020 21:37:09 GMT

@sidersjga wrote:
I keep getting a "cancelled" message when trying to e-file my state return. I successfully e-filed my federal return and it has been accepted. I've deleted cookies and tried a different browser. What other steps can I take to electronically file via TurboTax? I have film credits which must be filed electronically. Thanks.

The only error I know of that says "cancelled" is for Mac users using desktop software. Since you mention a browser, I assume you are using Online TurboTax. You may get additional comments in this thread, but I'll tell you below how to speak to TurboTax Support. They are open this weekend.

BTW, this is just a hunch, but since you said "film credits" and based on the "ga" of your profile name, are you filing a Georgia state return by any chance? I'll see if @DoninGA has seen anything like this for a Georgia state return before and can comment when he is next in the forum. Otherwise, here's how to reach Customer Support:

Hours are 5AM-9PM Pacific (8AM-12 Midnight Eastern) 7 days.

FAQ: What is the TurboTax phone number?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number/00/25632

Or use this contact form to get an incident number and phone number:
https://support.turbotax.intuit.com/contact

Re: Why can’t I efile my state tax returns?

sidersjga — Sat, 11 Jul 2020 21:47:20 GMT

Thanks for your response! Yes, I'm trying to file GA and had loaded the 2019 software via CD. I've never had difficulty transmitting electronically (never received an error message or cancelled notice) so wondered what I might be doing wrong. I called the 800 number and received a call back in an hour but from someone in Quickbooks, who of course couldn't help. So I'm waiting again for a call back.

Re: Why can’t I efile my state tax returns?

mesquitebean — Sat, 11 Jul 2020 22:16:13 GMT

@ sidersjga wrote:
Thanks for your response! Yes, I'm trying to file GA and had loaded the 2019 software via CD. I've never had difficulty transmitting electronically (never received an error message or cancelled notice) so wondered what I might be doing wrong. I called the 800 number and received a call back in an hour but from someone in Quickbooks, who of course couldn't help. So I'm waiting again for a call back.

In your original comment you said "I've deleted cookies and tried a different browser." So that's why I thought you were using Online TurboTax. Those browser/cookie maneuvers are for the website version. Or did you end up using Online TurboTax by mistake even though you installed the software??

Are you using a Mac? If so, there is a known issue for "some" users with Mac desktop version (CD/download), but the FAQ is not very informative. Is this your issue:
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-topics/help/turbotax-mac-transmission-did-not-got-through-reason-canceled/00/1355603

It's still a good idea to speak to TurboTax Support as you are planning to do.

Hours are 5AM-9PM Pacific (8AM-12 Midnight Eastern) 7 days.

It sounds like you already have one, but you can use this contact form to get an incident number and phone number:
https://support.turbotax.intuit.com/contact

Re: Why can’t I efile my state tax returns?

angiebar123 — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 21:10:00 GMT

This shows on my final transmission. Could you help me please? Thank you

The Intuit Electronic Filing System is having difficulty recognizing the data in the return you are sending. To ensure you have the latest version of TurboTax, wait 24 hours to update your program automatically. If you still can't transmit your return, go to www.support.turbotax.com for a solution or workaround. In some cases, you may need to file your return by mail. - 601ERRV:5, CustHdr_17 - ?:? - Invalid SMS Number. Must be between 10 and 10 digits.

Re: Why can’t I efile my state tax returns?

mesquitebean — Sat, 23 Jan 2021 05:00:20 GMT

@ angiebar123 wrote:
This shows on my final transmission.
601ERRV:5, CustHdr_17 - ?:? - Invalid SMS Number. Must be between 10 and 10 digits.

If you have a phone number listed in your Intuit Account settings, then you must make sure you use a valid 10-digit domestic USA phone number in both your Intuit Account settings and in your return. Or you can try removing the phone number in the Intuit Account.

See if this FAQ helps:

FAQ: 601ERRV:5 Invalid SMS Number

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/bugs-and-error-messages/help/why-am-i-getting-601errv-5-custhdr-17...

See if this answer by TurboTax CatinaT1 helps:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/taxes/discussion/re-my-federal-e-file-is-not-going-through-i-m-giv...

Also see this answer by TurboTax DawnC in the thread linked below. She also says it may be possible to leave the phone number blank in the Intuit Account settings.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/taxes/discussion/re-i-try-efile-but-i-get-message-invalid-sms-numb...

Also see this other thread with other out-of-country users with the same problem who were able to correct the error. Several have posted anecdotes there about how they solved it. If you continue to have trouble, post there, and they may be able to help you.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/taxes/discussion/my-federal-e-file-is-not-going-through-i-m-given-...

NOTE:

A couple of users have said that even after making changes to (or removing) the phone in the Intuit Account, the efile problem still happened, until they logged out of TurboTax then logged back in. Apparently that reset something.

So if you make any changes to the phone number listed in your Intuit Account settings, after you save the settings, log out of TurboTax and close the browser. Then reopen it and log back in and try to efile.