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New Member
posted Mar 1, 2025 9:22:14 AM

Federal Accepted need to file state

When I E-Filed my Federal I selected 'File Later' for my state tax.  The Federal was accepted and I want to go in and e-file the state but when I go back into my return and to state and select through, it is taking me back to 'file' with both the state and the federal.   I printed my 1040 and it's showing under the state papers its showing 'mail by check ' for what I owed.  But I selected File Later.  So I have a feeling that it filed it without e-filing it?

 

Am I doing this incorrectly?  How do I go in and file just the state? Or do i need to start a 'new return' as just the state.  I used the Deluxe with the 1 state option for Desktop.

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2 Replies
Expert Alumni
Mar 1, 2025 9:43:42 AM

It would be normal to see that both Federal and state returns will be filed when you're trying to file only the state.  The state return has to piggyback on the Federal return to be electronically filed.  The Federal will just be seen as a duplicate filing since it has already been accepted by the IRS when you electronically filed it earlier.  

 

Take a look at the following TurboTax help article for further guidance:

 

How do I e-file my state after I already filed my federal?
 

Level 15
Mar 1, 2025 9:50:29 AM

You probably make sure your program knows that federal was accepted first.  

For the Desktop program you have to check the filing status inside the program.  Open your return and go up to the top black menu bar first item

File > Electronic Filing > Check Electronic Filing Status

 

Then save your return and I would even close and reopen the program.