topic Re: This return cannot be e-filed by itself in State tax filing

This return cannot be e-filed by itself

cunningj8 — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:12:13 GMT

My AR2101 Form became available today and now I'm getting the message that I cannot file my state return. I keep getting the error "This return cannot be e-filed by itself. You need to e-file this return at the same time as your federal return.

Re: This return cannot be e-filed by itself

AmyC — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 00:39:11 GMT

Each state has its own set of rules. AR is a piggyback state and must be filed with the federal or after it is accepted. Please read the rules here. Once your federal is accepted, you should be able to file.

Re: This return cannot be e-filed by itself

cunningj8 — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 21:17:57 GMT

Yes i efiled my federal a couple weeks ago, my AR2106 form was not ready at the time and I could not file, the form was ready as of yesterday 3/3/22 and my turbotax program updated it. I'm now getting this error and TurboTax support tried to help me and could not figure it out. we deleted the state and tried multiple times. I'm stuck at not being able to e-file what I paid for.

Re: This return cannot be e-filed by itself

EbonyA — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 21:45:32 GMT

In addition to what AMYC has mentioned above, please review this resource. If your issue persists, reply here and we will further assist.

Re: This return cannot be e-filed by itself

cunningj8 — Sat, 05 Mar 2022 00:51:27 GMT

Yes I’ve seen this information and my federal was accepted weeks ago. I tried to e-file my state as married together and separate and it will not go past the error about I must file my federal and state together.

Re: This return cannot be e-filed by itself

cunningj8 — Sat, 05 Mar 2022 00:52:08 GMT

This apparently is a big and needs to be fixed.

Re: This return cannot be e-filed by itself

CarissaM — Sun, 06 Mar 2022 17:50:08 GMT

Are you trying to file your state return using the same login as your federal return was filed with? @cunningj8

Re: This return cannot be e-filed by itself

cunningj8 — Sun, 06 Mar 2022 22:04:45 GMT

i'm using TurboTax Deluxe Mac Desktop

Re: This return cannot be e-filed by itself

CarissaM — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 02:12:41 GMT

I would suggest contact customer support once more on this issue. They will be able to look into the issue to see if they can assist to get the return e-filed, or to assist in a refund and you would need to mail in the state return.

In order to contact customer support, please follow the instructions here.

Re: This return cannot be e-filed by itself

dennislaughlin — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 13:47:52 GMT

I'm having this same issue. I have e-filed my federal return. It has been accepted and my refund has been issued. I was waiting for Arkansas form 2106. Now that it is available, TurboTax Deluxe Mac Desktop is telling me that it cannot be filed on its own. I was able to efile it last year. Very frustrating!

Re: This return cannot be e-filed by itself

TeresaM — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 14:41:39 GMT

If you file the federal and the state returns together, the state will wait until the federal is accepted before it will accept the state return. If you don't e-file them together, you do have to wait until the federal moves from pending to accepted before you can e-file the state as it will need to verify the status of the federal return. Sometimes this takes a day or even two.

Just to clarify, does your TurboTax Mac Desktop software show that the federal return is now accepted? Or pending?

Re: This return cannot be e-filed by itself

dennislaughlin — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 14:58:49 GMT

Hello. Yes, TurboTax Desktop is showing "Accepted" when I check my Federal return status.

Re: This return cannot be e-filed by itself

EbonyL122824 — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 18:04:00 GMT

You can follow the instruction in this TurboTax FAQ here on how to file your state after you have filed your federal. Use this link here to contact Customer Support if you need further assistance.

@dennislaughlin

Re: This return cannot be e-filed by itself

dennislaughlin — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 18:02:47 GMT

No one mentioned AGI…?

This is a software bug with the software.

Re: This return cannot be e-filed by itself

HP14 — Sun, 16 Apr 2023 17:14:09 GMT

Same issue this yr also

talked to TurboTax representatives no way around mail out

shame on TurboTax there should be better way to manage this issue