topic Re: Should I attach my federal return to my state return? (California, 2024 tax year) in State tax filing

Should I attach my federal return to my state return? (California, 2024 tax year)

taheri1 — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 23:51:11 GMT

I am a federal tax filer filing Form 1040. I am also a CA state tax filer.

Up to the 2023 tax year, I would attach my federal return to my CA state return when filing with the state. Why? Because TurboTax would automatically print a second copy of my federal return after my CA state return.

Things changed for the 2024 tax year. TurboTax no longer prints a second copy. Have the filing requirements changed? Specifically, am I required to attached a copy of my federal return to my CA state return or not? I won't be e-Filing.

Thank you.

Re: Should I attach my federal return to my state return? (California, 2024 tax year)

Bsch4477 — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 02:42:58 GMT

For Form 540 (Residents):Attach a copy of your federal return unless you are filing the simplified Form 540 2EZ. The federal return should be placed after your California-specific forms and schedules.
Include a copy of any W-2 and any other form that shows tax withheld.

Re: Should I attach my federal return to my state return? (California, 2024 tax year)

taheri1 — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 23:48:04 GMT

Re: Should I attach my federal return to my state return? (California, 2024 tax year)

taheri1 — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 23:49:50 GMT

Why doesn't TurboTax include my federal return after my state return when I ask it to SAVE my return as a PDF file? Up to 2023 tax year, it would, but for the 2024 tax year, it's not!

Specifically, up to 2023, it would include my federal return (1), then my state return (2), then a second copy of my federal return (3).

Now for 2024, it excludes (3).

Thank you.

Re: Should I attach my federal return to my state return? (California, 2024 tax year)

taheri1 — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 17:39:39 GMT

I called the California state tax collector at [phone number removed].

I was told that I didn't need to include my 2024 federal return with my 2024 state tax return.

So, TurboTax was right.