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Level 3
posted Mar 11, 2021 5:10:05 PM

E-file requires federal return

I previously E-filed my Federal return and it has been accepted. I paid for the state E-file but had to wait for an update. Now every time I try to efile I end up with this message

"E-file requires federal return" 

2 75 4385
24 Replies
Level 3
Mar 11, 2021 5:20:27 PM

Are you using the Desktop program?  Please see this error in the link below and please sign the TT sheet at the link below:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-topics/help/why-am-i-not-able-to-e-file-my-state-return-after-...

 

I had this issue last night, and continue to have the problem after TT had updated NYS tax program. I filed Federal taxes and held off on NYS taxes till they updated NYS. Now, I have the same issue you have. There is apparently a lot of people, but many are not calling Support. 

 

If you have the problem with not being able to file State Taxes after previously successfully filing Federal Taxes....Please call support so they will fix it!!!!

Level 3
Mar 11, 2021 5:28:13 PM

Thank you for the link. I tried to run the review again but no luck. 

Level 3
Mar 11, 2021 7:39:25 PM

Hello, 
I'm having the same issue.
Yesterday I have updated everything successfully, NY state included 
 
 after TT update, i tried to e file 
Turbo Tax still doesn't allow me to e-file NY STATE, 
they are asking to go back and to chose a federal first,
but Federal was e filed 03/01 and accepted

Please see bellow  for a exact error message:

 THE (last step) screen reads:
''To e-file you must also select the federal return
Click back to select federal and any other returns you d like to file''
 
So.... you click  the back bottom and it shows that your federal already e-filed 
THE screen reads
''select the returns you are ready to E file'' 
''NEY YORK'' '' E-FILE MY STATE RETURN NOW''
 
''THE FOLLOWING RETURNS HAVE BEEN TRANSMITTED''
''NJ,'' ''FEDERAL''
 
P.S:
I did call TT today and created the ''investigation'', they gave me a number
but they didn't take the screenshots so i don't believe if somebody is going to  do something.
 
 
 
 
 
 
  •  

New Member
Mar 11, 2021 8:18:10 PM

Where can I find the support number?

Level 1
Mar 11, 2021 9:20:39 PM

same here... TT support is a joke

 

Level 9
Mar 12, 2021 9:56:45 AM

If you're experiencing an error message related to e-filing, please use the following form to reach out to us:

https://support.turbotax.intuit.com/contact/

 

The issue also might have to do with your cache.  

Your browser stores recently visited webpages as temporary files in a cache, which enables the pages to load more quickly when revisited.

However, a full or corrupted cache can cause problems in TurboTax, so sometimes you need to clear your cache (that is, remove these temporary files).

Here are the official instructions for the most popular browsers:

Apple's official support site doesn't appear to contain instructions for clearing the cache in Safari. Your best bet is to search the Internet for clear Safari cache or similar search terms.

 

Here is a TurboTax article about e-filing.

@Amora30

@roberto77rb

Level 1
Mar 12, 2021 11:28:04 AM

I suggest to folks who are having an issue with the NY Return and the IRA withdrawal under the CARES Act that they delete ALL NY data (which is an option under File), and restart the NY return.  When I did, TT picked up the federal input and the NY update restarted, issues resolved.  Just saying ... sometimes TT hangs itself with the data already input and doesn't refresh the program as you think it should.  My theory is, sometimes it's just better to start from scratch when you have so much at stake.

Level 3
Mar 12, 2021 11:50:43 AM

@ReneeM7122  This is not the online version that is having the issue. This is the desktop software that is having the issue and is happening on both Mac/Windows platforms. This forum was littered with people having this issue, but many I no longer see.  I've called TT support 3 times, the first time was over an hour as they took screenshots. then at the end of the call, I get an email stating they closed it!

 

There was also a form they were having people fill out about this issue: https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-topics/help/why-am-i-not-able-to-e-file-my-state-return-after-...

Level 3
Mar 12, 2021 11:58:13 AM

@cdelaurentis I was really, really, really hoping this was going to work. Unfortunately, it did not work for me. Still get the message "E-file requires federal return". I already E-filed the Federal on March 5th, received confirmation it was accepted, and actually received my Federal refund today. 

 

Here's to hoping someone actually sees this and lets us know there's at the very least some hope. As far as I can tell, no one is working on this or willing to acknowledge it's an issue at TT!!!

Level 2
Mar 12, 2021 12:14:38 PM

After hours of customer service I uninstalled the TurboTax Deluxe CD, Installed the Download they sent me, updated the files ran the review and asked to refile my state return.....

NO

problem still there.  Federal return accepted, won't efile state return.

 

not the cd problem.

Level 1
Mar 12, 2021 1:11:43 PM

I am sorry my suggestion didn't help.  I am using the CD version on a MAC Book Pro.  I also upgraded the TT version from Deluxe to Premier because of the problem I was having with the IRA withdrawal.  However, I did not file my federal return before the state, and perhaps that is what is causing the problem.  I hope TT solves the problem soon.

Level 3
Mar 12, 2021 2:30:04 PM

I am having the same exact issue, I also spent hours on the phone with support, to no avail, TT better fix this...

Level 3
Mar 12, 2021 2:31:41 PM

@ReneeM7122  I cleared all the caches, The problem still exists...This is definitely a TT programming problem....I filled out the form...I hope they fix this soon....

Level 1
Mar 12, 2021 2:33:36 PM

I also am encountering the same exact issue.  This is the desktop version of Turbotax Deluxe on windows machine.  

 

"E-file requires federal return" 

 

 

Level 2
Mar 12, 2021 2:59:13 PM

I just got off phone with Intuit support after holding 45 minutes. 

They have zero idea regarding this issue.   rep told me that the Fed and State "Georgia' have to be filed together.   

so not the case,   

Hope they investigate and resolve soon.

 

Level 15
Mar 12, 2021 3:01:22 PM


@logan5tpa wrote:

I just got off phone with Intuit support after holding 45 minutes. 

They have zero idea regarding this issue.   rep told me that the Fed and State "Georgia' have to be filed together.   

so not the case,   

Hope they investigate and resolve soon.

 


Sign up for updates on this problem here - https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-topics/help/why-am-i-not-able-to-e-file-my-state-return-after-filing-my-federal-return/00/2064566

Level 1
Mar 12, 2021 6:12:03 PM

I have exact issue. 

There is only one Back button

 

E-file requires federal return

To e-file you much also select the federal return....

 

I went around so many times, still no luck

 

Please help!

Level 3
Mar 12, 2021 7:25:24 PM

Same issue as everyone in this thread - called support waited a while then decided to leave my number for a call back.  Support did call back, I explained the situation - had already filed federal and one state (CT) (both have been accepted), but had to wait for the NY form fix.   Now my NY return is prefect, but can't file due to the "must file Federal return" issue.    Support took my information put me on hold for a while and then we were disconnected.   Frustrated.     I filled out the form like everyone else - hoping the issue is fixed soon.     Good luck to us all.

Level 2
Mar 13, 2021 8:36:52 AM

Same issue with Illinois using TurboTax Deluxe desktop.  E-filed my federal return weeks ago and have already received the refund.  Attempted to E-file my Illinois return today and I get the "E-file requires federal return" message with no way to proceed beyond going back and paper filing.  Based on the lack of success others in this thread have had resolving this issue I'll likely go through the hassle of paper filing.  Certainly hope TT fixes this for next year.

 

Level 15
Mar 13, 2021 8:40:07 AM
Level 3
Mar 13, 2021 9:20:29 AM
Level 1
Mar 13, 2021 3:12:28 PM

I have the same problem, only with CA and IA state returns.

 

Filed the federal to make sure it would be accepted, choosing to efile the state returns later in the efiling window.  Federal return was accepted, and the efile window says so, but when I try to efile the state returns I get

 

E-file requires federal return

    To e-file you must also select the federal return.

    Click Back to select federal and any other returns you'd like to file.

 

Only there is no federal return to select any more because it has been accepted.

 

Using Turbotax Home & Business on Mac OS Catalina 10.15.7

Level 2
Mar 13, 2021 6:49:09 PM

I have the same problem and just no luck getting response

New Member
Mar 13, 2021 7:37:31 PM

Colorado state return does the same thin.  I filed a support ticket.  We'll see what happens.