CA 540 Schedule X error

Shaundee1 — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 14:27:48 GMT

This is the error message: SCHX-020 - If the (Amended Return) checkbox is checked, then Schedule X Part I Line 1 (Amended Amount Owed) must equal Form 540 Line 111 (Amount Owed), or Form 540NR Line 121 (Amount Owed).

Amending a 2022 CA 540 and have a $2 penalty for under estimated tax payments for the year as shown on line 113 of the amended 540. That amount is not flowing through to SCHX-020 line 8. If I put it in on line 8 manually under penalties, it doesn't carry over into the column and get added to what I owe. I tried adding it to line 1, that didn't work either (generated the above error message). Looks like a bug to me.....suggestions (other than filing a paper copy).

Thanks!

Re: CA 540 Schedule X error

JohnW152 — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 16:40:47 GMT

I don't think you need to worry about entering the $2 underestimated tax payment anywhere on the amended California return. If that's what you did initially, and the reject followed, it's probably the cause of the reject.

The reject code wouldn't seem to explain actually what's causing the problem, based on what you're saying.

But, what appears to be hanging you up with the amended return is the Box 8 Penalties/Interest amount on Schedule X. There's no box on the amended return for underpayment of estimated tax. And, if you'll look at the instructions for Schedule X, there's very vague guidance for penalties and interest, but nothing about underpayment of estimated tax.

On the other hand, if you'll look at the original return, Form 540, Line 112 is used for Interest, late return penalties, and late payment penalties, and there's a separate Line 113 for Underpayment of estimated tax. The Instructions for Form 540 reflect this, as well.

So, entering your underpayment into the penalty field would be like trying to put a square peg into a round hole, and apparently California's efile program recognizes it.

That said… if you can't remove the $2 at this point and your amended return continues to reject, you'll just need to go ahead and paper-file.

topic Re: CA 540 Schedule X error in State tax filing

CA 540 Schedule X error

Re: CA 540 Schedule X error