topic Multiple states (did TurboTax make a mistake?) in State tax filing

Multiple states (did TurboTax make a mistake?)

gene_times_sq — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 08:51:53 GMT

Hello, I worked in multiple states this year (I work remotely). January-March: FL, April-August: WI and September-December: CA.

In my W2 I see TOTAL STATE $2,600. And TurboTax entered this whole amount into my CA 540NR, like I paid $2,600 to CA. And now CA “owes” me $1,700. While in fact I only paid to CA only $900 and CA owes me nothing. The rest amount ($1,700) was paid in WI, not in CA.

Why does TurboTax making such mistakes? Their system doesn’t check all W2 fields? What about those that are below (where states are separated)?

Who’s responsible for this mistake? I simply uploaded my W2 and was sure they’ll enter all numbers correctly based on my W2, and of course I also answered all Qs (that I was part resident of CA) and my CA gross income, by the way, is correct in my CA 540NR. But taxes there are STATE TOTAL, CA and WI combined.

It’s a mess now: CA “owes” me $1,700 and I “owe” WI $1,100.

Re: Multiple states (did TurboTax make a mistake?)

MonikaK1 — Sat, 03 Feb 2024 19:30:39 GMT

When you have multiple state returns, be sure to enter the earlier part-year resident or nonresident state return first, then enter the state where you resided at the end of the year, in order to get the correct results. The state where you are currently a resident may be able to give you a credit for taxes you paid to other states.

In order for us to help troubleshoot this situation, you can send us a “diagnostic” file that has your “numbers” but not your personal information.  If you would like to do this, here are the instructions for TurboTax Online users:

Go to the black panel on the left side of your program and select Tax Tools.

Then select Tools below Tax Tools.
A window will pop up which says Tools Center.
On this screen, select Share my file with Agent.
You will see a message explaining what the diagnostic copy is.  Click okay through this screen and then you will get a Token number.
Reply to this thread with your Token number. This will allow us to open a copy of your return without seeing any personal information.

We will then be able to see exactly what you are seeing and we can determine what exactly is going on in your return and provide you with a resolution.

If you are using TurboTax Desktop please comment back and I will give you those instructions.

Please also see this TurboTax tips article for more information on filing returns with multiple states.

Re: Multiple states (did TurboTax make a mistake?)

gene_times_sq — Sun, 04 Feb 2024 10:02:38 GMT

Hello,

Thank you for your reply, yes, I am using TurboTax Desktop.

Re: Multiple states (did TurboTax make a mistake?)

DMarkM1 — Sun, 04 Feb 2024 21:32:20 GMT

To send a tax file to an agent using a desktop product click the "Online" dropdown menu at the top of your TurboTax page and select "Send tax file to agent". Follow the prompts from there and post your "token number" back here in the forum.