My state return won't open.

[1blue42]

To all posting the "clear your cache and cookies" solution, the problem is with the downloaded thick-client versions of the software, not with the web version.  Clearing the cache in this case is about as useful as changing the oil in your car.  It might need it, but it won't do anything to fix this bug.

That, after at least 2 years, this is still a problem with the software and that no one in tech support seems to have a clue how to fix (or in this case even properly understand) the problem amazes me.

[1blue42]

Please help me understand how clearing the browser cache/cookies has any effect on a locally installed application that does not run via a browser?

[LindaS5247]

Please contact TurboTax Support so that they can take a closer look.

If you're using TurboTax Online:

1. Sign into your TurboTax account (if you aren't already signed in).
2. Once you're in, type Contact us in the Search bar.
3. Select the Contact Us button from the results.
4. Select the pencil icon to enter your question and select Let's talk.
5. Now choose between:
   • Posting your question to our community of experts (Post a question)
   • Talking one-on-one with a live TurboTax Expert or CPA (Get a call)
     • Free Edition (without PLUS): This is not covered, so when you select Talk to a specialist, you'll be asked to add PLUS benefits first.

If you're using the TurboTax Desktop or can't sign into your TurboTax account:

1. Go here to contact us.
2. Ask your question, select Continue, and follow the instructions.

[1blue42]

Appreciate the response, but I spent several hours on the phone with tech support last year and they were unable to resolve the problem.  I no longer use TT. 

I started getting emails regarding new posts to this thread from last year and saw the solutions proposed were not going to work.  Just wanted to make it clear this issue is with the locally installed version and not the web version, so clearing the browser cache/cookies will have no effect.  Some of the solutions proposed actually mix local and web versions, by first suggesting browser cache/cookie cleanup and then suggesting to download and run the TTStateCleanup.zip program.

[Eagleite]

After spending about 3 hours with support staff it still never worked. Finally got a support staff member who told the truth, said almost every call they entertained was about failure of Turbotax to handle state filings in some way, shape or form.  Said IT (software developers) were aware and were , hopefully, working on the issue. The person said it was almost always from dowloaded versions. Well, as TT stopped selling CD's and all their software needs to be downloaded, this must be about 100% of TurboTax clients.

Fix the problem!!!

[doing_my_taxes]

This still a problem in the 2024 software. WOW they haven't fixed this bug in years!!

[MonikaK1]

If you are having a problem opening the state return:

Try clearing your cache and cookies. A full or corrupted cache can cause problems in TurboTax.  Sometimes you need to clear your cache to remove these temporary files. Here are the official instructions for the most popular browsers:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Microsoft Edge

Make sure you have run all updates to your TurboTax program.

If you're on a PC, open TurboTax and select Check for Updates from the Online menu near the top. On a Mac, simply quit and reopen TurboTax. If there are any updates, you'll be prompted to download them.

Tips:

• It's best to use a wired, high-speed connection when updating, both to save time and minimize data corruption.
• If your connection drops in the middle of the update, try again; it should pick up where it left off.
• If you're having trouble updating on your PC, try a manual update.

If you are stuck in a loop with your state return, try the following fix:

To resolve, close TurboTax and then:

1. Download the TTStateCleanup.zip file and save it to your desktop or other easy-to-find location.
2. Double-click to open the zip folder.
3. Extract the contents of the folder to your desktop and open the extracted folder.
4. Right-click the downloaded file (TTCleanStates.exe) and select Run as Administrator.
5. Select your version (Personal or Business).
6. Select your state from the dropdown menu and choose Remove (if you're having problems with multiple states, choose Remove all States).
7. Once the tool finishes removing the state return(s), close it and reopen TurboTax.
8. Follow the prompts to update TurboTax at the prompt. It should start downloading your state.
   • If it doesn't, click the State Taxes tab and download it from there.

If this fix fails:

1. Uninstall TurboTax.
2. Double-click the CD or download file to start the reinstallation process.
3. Select Next on the welcome screen.
4. Select I Agree on the License Agreement.
5. On the next screen, where you see the install location, select Browse and change it to the location where TurboTax was originally installed (normally, it's something like C:Program Files (x86)TurboTaxDeluxe 20XX).
6. Select Install after changing the location.
7. Open TurboTax after installation and proceed to your state taxes.

If the preceding steps don't resolve this issue, restart your computer in Selective Startup and run the tool again.  

Please feel free to come back to TurboTax Community with additional information or questions or click here for information on Turbo Tax Support.  

 @doing_my_taxes 

[Eagleite]

The solution for me was to continue and let TT immediately say my state return was complete. Then I went back and individually went through each state topic manually.

I hope that by next tax season TT and Intuit will have this issue fixed. It appears from other posts to be around for a while.