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Level 2
posted Feb 11, 2025 4:40:29 PM

State install/e-file update loop: State not installed after installation or TurboTax needs to update prior to e-file

Hi. I am trying to complete state taxes using TuboTax Home and Business 2024 and am stuck in the endless loop. I am extremely frustrated and would love to know how to proceed here. See my troubleshooting below and please do not advise basic steps like reinstalling software as that does not work. Please read my actual troubleshooting and propose a new solution.

 

  1. The EXACT same issue was reported last year with NO fix. It was suggested the issue may be due to the state forms not being ready. However, I already looked at the link where AZ forms are reported and all are READY!  - https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/taxes/discussion/turbotax-[product key removed]-not-loa[product key removed]oad/00/3116629
  2. The TTCleanStates.exe fix provided in this article does successfully run and say the states were removed. However when relaunching TT app on desktop, the loop issue persists. Additionally, clearing cache, uninstalling software, rebooting PC, reinstalling does not work. -
  3. See similar issues reported in 2024, again with no resolution- https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/state-taxes/discussion/state-install-e-file-update-loop-state-not-insta[product key removed]llation-or-turbotax-needs-to-update/00/2842648/page/3
  4. I even ran the SUPER PATCH to fix this and that ALSO DID NOT WORK! - w_perrelsuperpatchIS_ttax_2024 - https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/taxes/discussion/re-tt-2024-on-windows-10-not-updating/01/3403547/highlight/true#M1254178

THIS IS EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING TRYING TO TROUBLESHOOT YOUR SOFTWARE FOR HOURS ON END. PLEASE PROVIDE A FIX!

 

-signed very disappointed and frustrated customer

2 21 8568
1 Best answer
Level 2
Feb 19, 2025 9:50:37 AM

Here is my solution that I finally found on my own:

 

  1. I did not have administrator rights on my original PC to uninstall and reinstall TurboTax.
  2. For this reason, I had to dust off an old college laptop from 2010 era and wait for it to painfully load and install TurboTax (couldn't even connect to WiFi, had to connect via ethernet)
  3. After 4 hours, I was able to get TurboTax to load and reinstall state for AZ AND IT WORKED!!!!
  4. So I imagine uninstalling and reinstalling TurboTax software may be the only fix for this.

 

One final piece of fun 🙂 Imagine my frustration when I finally get to the end and see I have to PAY $25 TO E-FILE!!! ONLY FILE BY MAIL FOR STATE IS FREE WHEN YOU PURCHASE THE SOFTWARE. E-FILE HAS AN EXTRA CHARGE.... FFS. Good-bye TurboTax! It's been a fun decade but think its time we go our separate ways. It's not me, it's YOU.

21 Replies
Expert Alumni
Feb 12, 2025 7:28:19 AM
Level 2
Feb 12, 2025 12:33:59 PM

Hi Catina,

 

I have tried to run the CleanStatesTools already and it does not work and remove the state from the program, even when I close it, reopen it, etc.

 

I have read somewhere I need to file federal first before I can do state. Is this true?

Expert Alumni
Feb 12, 2025 2:55:03 PM

Yes, that is true. States are processed through the Federal.

Level 2
Feb 13, 2025 4:01:47 PM

OK. I never had that be an issue in the past when I used TT online. This is my first year using the desktop software so maybe that is why it's different? I will try to submit federal and see if the issue persists with State and follow back up here. Thank you.

Level 3
Feb 15, 2025 7:07:30 AM

I hear you.  Same darn issue two years in a row.  I can't even get to the payment tab to enter my address.

 

Is anyone else having an issue where you can't download various state returns within TT Business 2024?  I can't download KY or PA Partnership.  If you check the availability page ie-file s not showing (paper form is), but why can't Intuit provide a message they are not ready and/or an ETA.  All I get is 

 

"Hmm... it looks like we’ve hit a slight snag

Please try again or check back in a bit."

 

This has been going on for weeks.  I called support and they don't know.  This is the second year in a row of this issue.  Frustrating as heck after using TT for 30 years.

Level 2
Feb 17, 2025 2:33:36 PM

I totally feel you with the frustration! I feel the same and have not made any progress. UGH! I was able to "download" the AZ state return, but it will NOT let me proceed. It keeps wanting me to "update" then says "software is up to date" and then keeps looping and will not launch. And I did file my federal return today and STILL no luck. IDK what to do with my state return as I cannot access it. I have been dreading calling support but I guess I have no choice at this point. UGH! OVER TT!!!!

Level 2
Feb 17, 2025 2:34:23 PM

I filed my federal return and STILL am not able to proceed with state :( Not sure what to do at this point as I still need to file state return but software will not let me proceed or get past the loop. UGH! What now?

Expert Alumni
Feb 18, 2025 9:35:58 AM
Level 2
Feb 18, 2025 1:48:33 PM

Yes I have tried this and still not working.

Expert Alumni
Feb 19, 2025 7:35:13 AM

Please call TurboTax Customer service.  Here is a link:  Turbo Tax Customer Service 

Level 2
Feb 19, 2025 9:50:37 AM

Here is my solution that I finally found on my own:

 

  1. I did not have administrator rights on my original PC to uninstall and reinstall TurboTax.
  2. For this reason, I had to dust off an old college laptop from 2010 era and wait for it to painfully load and install TurboTax (couldn't even connect to WiFi, had to connect via ethernet)
  3. After 4 hours, I was able to get TurboTax to load and reinstall state for AZ AND IT WORKED!!!!
  4. So I imagine uninstalling and reinstalling TurboTax software may be the only fix for this.

 

One final piece of fun 🙂 Imagine my frustration when I finally get to the end and see I have to PAY $25 TO E-FILE!!! ONLY FILE BY MAIL FOR STATE IS FREE WHEN YOU PURCHASE THE SOFTWARE. E-FILE HAS AN EXTRA CHARGE.... FFS. Good-bye TurboTax! It's been a fun decade but think its time we go our separate ways. It's not me, it's YOU.

Level 1
Mar 6, 2025 5:56:30 PM

Been there-no help. Just like everything else when it comes to TT support (no!-lack of support)

Level 2
Mar 21, 2025 8:02:21 AM

is this only for PC or works for a Mac? I am having the same problem with my installed CA state. I was able to e-file a couple days ago, but wanted to review and now I cannot. Why? So frustrating.

Level 2
Mar 21, 2025 8:04:27 AM

I have always been able to e-file fed and state at the same time using TT. For some reason this year, the desktop version is soooo glitchy.

 

Level 2
Mar 21, 2025 9:38:40 AM

The fix is only for Windows. But even when I tried it, it did not work. If you have admin rights on your Windows machine, uninstall the software completely using programs and features option. Then reinstall the software. I had to move to another Windows machine because I did not have rights to uninstall turbo tax. Hopefully you do and that should fix it. Nothing else worked so don’t waste time with the patches and stuff. 

Level 2
Mar 21, 2025 9:40:16 AM

Yes 100% you should be able to file both at the same time! Doing fed first and coming back to do state did not work. As I said in my other reply, uninstall the software and start fresh. You should be able to save your work from the file it saves so you don’t have to start over. Just make sure you copy that file somewhere before you uninstall. Reinstall software and it should work I hope. I spent over 8 hours troubleshooting this so hopefully I can save you the same headache lol. This year was way too glitchy, no idea why and so annoying. 

Level 2
Mar 21, 2025 9:52:20 AM

thanks. I am going to try to reinstall again and hopefully this will solve this terrible glitch. For the past decade I have had zero problems with my home and biz desktop install on both a Mac and PC until today. It was fine on Monday until yesterday when TT pushed more updates then the state disappeared even thought it shows as installed. Maybe it is time to move on from TT. Thank you for spending your 8 hours. I hope I have your same luck.

 

PS: I tried to execute the "clean state" from the TT tech support on this thread and it didn't work either. Did you do that? 

Level 1
Mar 23, 2025 11:00:46 AM

I know it's nice to point to a utility that you think fixes this problem. So could you please point to the version that runs on a MAC????

 

Expert Alumni
Mar 26, 2025 2:05:08 PM

These are the minimum system requirements for TurboTax Desktop software for Mac, 2021–2024.

Operating system

 

  • 2024: macOS Ventura 13 or later
  • 2023: macOS Monterey 12 or later
  • 2022: macOS Big Sur 11 or later
  • 2021: macOS Catalina 10.15 or later

Hard drive space: 1 GB

RAM: 4 GB or more recommended

Internet connection: 1 Mbps modem (Broadband connection highly recommended). Required for product activation, software updates, and optional online features.

Monitor resolution: 1024×768 or higher recommended

Printer: Any Mac-compatible inkjet or laser printer (if you want to print your tax return or any tax forms)

New Member
Mar 27, 2025 7:35:51 PM

I too am done with turbo crooks. Elon must be in charge. I cant efile because im told i need to update the software which i have done twice to no avail. 

New Member
Apr 1, 2025 10:25:57 PM

I had this problem on my Mac using TT2024 Home and Business: caught in a loop where it wanted to go through the State filing again but kept going through the analysis phase and then back to selecting a state, all while I had already filled in the info. 

The fix for me was to use the Topic List button in the top level of the window (above the tabs) and then navigate to the listing for State Taxes. I then clicked on the heading for General Information and it brought me right to the usual input screens. I ran through that all the way past the filing analysis and up to the filing screen. No need to uninstall.