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posted Jun 4, 2019 4:50:10 PM

My State return says "Do Not File, Form Not Final" in a watermark. How do I make it final?

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1 Replies
Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 4:50:11 PM

Do not file appears in several situations:

•If you e-filed a federal return and it is not accepted yet.

•If you e-filed a state return and it is not accepted yet.

If you e-filed your returns and they are not accepted yet, turbotax won't give you a clean version because, if your return is rejected and you have to make changes, turbotax doesn't want you to have a printed copy that does not match the e-file return that is eventually accepted.  The watermark will be removed once the conditions above have been resolved.  Try logging back in after your federal and state returns are accepted.

It should take about one day after your returns are accepted for "Do not file" to be removed.  If it is still there, you need to give the program a "nudge" to force it to build a new PDF.  Try these steps.


  • Log into your Online account, and go to the 2016 Tax Timeline.
  • Scroll down to "Some things you can do."
  • Choose "Add a State".   (you don't really add one; that's just to get the return to open back up.)
  • Once the return is open and past the blue "Simple and accurate" screen, click at the top on MY ACCOUNT.
  • Then choose PRINT CENTER.
  • Then choose "Print/save/view this year's return."
  • It should give you choice of a PDF as filed or one with "all forms and worksheets."   See if either of those PDF's has the forms without the watermark.

NOTE:  Do not use this method to open a return to make changes/edits to an already-filed return (one that has actually been mailed or efiled.)   If you later need to make changes to an already-filed return, you have to go through the formal amending process, and your return must start off exactly as originally filed.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3300737