E-file

[TosaRonin]

Having an issue between payment and filing. When I select the "direct debit" option it says it will be done when I e-file. However, when I continue to file it only gives the option to "file later." When I try to change it says I can't mail it because I have selected "direct debit" and to mail it I'd have to change the payment method. It also says that I can't e-file because I have selected "direct debit" and to e-file I'd have to change it to Check which was my only other payment option. When I keep my "direct debit" option and try to file, my documents say to mail in my tax forms which wasn't an option earlier.

I have been able to direct debit and e-file before so can I not do that anymore? Will my State Taxes be e-filed after my Federal e-file has been accepted? 

I would like to avoid having to mail anything in if possible.

[SForrestLO]

You can't mail your return in, must e-file your return to use Direct Debit.

What is direct debit and how does it work? https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-payments/help/what-is-direct-debit-and-how-does-it-work/00/256...

[TosaRonin]

I understand that. But when I select the option for direct debit for both my Federal and State taxes, the File screen gives me E-File for Federal and File Later for State. Continuing further when I review my documents before submitting, my State return gives me instructions for mailing. I guess what I want to know is will my State return be E-filed after my Federal one since I have chosen to do a direct debit for both?

[Rkelley1984]

I am having the same problem. I have already filed and settled federal, I am trying to do state.  I want to efile and direct debit from my checking account on the state. However, it tells me this.

"File by mail is not available because you have selected to pay balance due with direct debit. If you want to file by mail, you must go back and choose a different method to pay your taxes.

E-file is not available because you have selected to pay balance due with direct debit. If you want to E-file, please update your payment method to Check."

So what I'm gathering is to efile I will still have to mail a check in correct?

[AmyC]

Some states will not allow you to efile later while most can be efiled later and direct debit is an option.

You may want to contact a specialist that can work through that section of the return with you.

also  @Rkelley1984