topic DCN has too many characters . TurboTax "Expert" support unable to fix or find workaround in State tax filing

DCN has too many characters . TurboTax "Expert" support unable to fix or find workaround

makai — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:42:44 GMT

Hello;

I have an SCorp in California.

Using Turbotax online, I efiled Federal (1120S, etc). I later found a big error in my taxes and had to amend (+ mail) my federal Scorp return using Turbotax Business Desktop.

I am now attempting to efile state - California (Scorp) for the 1st time (ie, original).

In spite of multiple attempts to update the software, reinstall the software, use manual downloads to update the software, and use TTCleanState, I continue to have the following error that prevents me from efiling CA: "Check This Entry Electronic Filing Information: Dcn has too many characters".

TTSupport has been ... less than helpful with resolving this (chat support giving me AI generated responses, phone support escalating to supervisors but either the calls would just happen to disconnect or the supervisor wouldn't know what to do).

California requires efile for business returns. Don't tell me to mail it. Yes, there is an exemption to mail it, but CA would have to choose to allow it; they may still deny such and charge me $100 because of an issue on TT's part.

I am posting this just in case something magical happens and for CA FTB's purposes.

Re: DCN has too many variables . TurboTax "Expert" support unable to fix or find workaround

PatriciaV — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 21:26:00 GMT

We would like to research this further, if you can send us a “diagnostic” file that has your “numbers” but not your personal information. 

Open your return and go to Online in the top menu, then choose "Send Tax File to 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 and tag (@) the Expert who requested it. This will allow us to open a copy of your return without seeing any personal information.

We will attempt to determine the cause of your experience and possibly provide you with a resolution.

Re: DCN has too many variables . TurboTax "Expert" support unable to fix or find workaround

makai — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 18:05:32 GMT

@PatriciaV token =

9411828155156018-40860757

On a separate note, the program says that I efiled a business return to New Jersey. ...Which I didn't.

Re: DCN has too many variables . TurboTax "Expert" support unable to fix or find workaround

PatriciaV — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 19:50:51 GMT

We have researched this experience and found that transferring a business return from TurboTax Business Online to the desktop version is no longer supported. You will not be able to file your California return using the imported file.

We recommend that you start a new TurboTax Business Desktop file and re-enter your federal business return information. Then create your California return and e-file ONLY the state tax return. This is called a "stand alone" state return.

If you encounter any further difficulties, please post in this thread.

Re: DCN has too many variables . TurboTax "Expert" support unable to fix or find workaround

makai — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 21:23:28 GMT

After everything, you are telling me I have to manually re-enter everything. Why wasn't I given a warning that transferring businesses from online to desktop isn't supported?

I would like a full or partial refund for turbotax business. The online and the desktop versions. Turbotax and its employees repeatedly sold me "solutions" to problems it created.

Re: DCN has too many variables . TurboTax "Expert" support unable to fix or find workaround

CatinaT1 — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 22:07:24 GMT

Here is a link: How do I request a refund for my TurboTax product?

Re: DCN has too many variables . TurboTax "Expert" support unable to fix or find workaround

makai — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 02:15:49 GMT

Lol. This gives me an error as well.

I'm also now having an issue with the new file, as it's forcing me to buy CA ... again before I can complete it. I'm wary to buy, as your return/refund page does not allow for single item charge refunds (ie, state charge of $50/state).

Re: DCN has too many variables . TurboTax "Expert" support unable to fix or find workaround

AnnetteB6 — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 16:40:16 GMT

Please use the link below to request the refund. When going through the refund tool, be sure to include as many details as possible about the situation, the issues you faced, and the attempts to resolve.

TurboTax Desktop Refund

@makai

Re: DCN has too many variables . TurboTax "Expert" support unable to fix or find workaround

mmcnear01 — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 21:09:59 GMT

Stunning they would ask you to start over. Thankfully, Intuit is dead meat as a software company. You'll have better success answering this question through ChatGPT or Gemini. Laughable that Intuit has their own "AI" which is probably every bit as terrible as their software.

I have used Turbotax for thirty years, and they haven't updated the architecture much at all in all those years. I also use Quickbooks and Payroll, and in all my years, I can't think of any company that treats its customers worse than Intuit. Just for fun, I entered last year's 1065 and this year's financial statements into Gemini, and asked it to pull the IRS forms and prepare this year's tax return. It actually got pretty close. After that happens, I can't wait to see Intuit shrivel and wither away.