Turbotax is preventing efile for my Illinois state tax return. It states: "Check This Entry - Schedule M: College Savngs Acct No - should only contain numbers"

[h2-tape]

However, for the fourth quarter of 2024 the account number should be an 11-digit alphanumeric account number due to a change in 529 account custodianship. This applies to all Illinois filers who made contributions in the fourth quarter of 2024. See guidance located here: https://brightstart.com/media/3vdllpew/2024-important-tax-information.pdf My question - Is mailing my Illinois state return the only option for filing? Thank you

[AnnetteB6]

The situation you described is being reported to the development team for correction, but that process will take some time.  If you do not want to wait, then mailing your return now is the only option.  There is not a workaround that will allow you to electronically file with the correct account number.

[h2-tape]

Thank you for the response! I think I would prefer to wait and efile. That said, how will I know when the issue has been corrected?

[AnnetteB6]

Sometimes there is a TurboTax article published that has a place to register your email address to receive updates.  If that article is published, then we try to get back in touch with you with a link to the article or at least one update that the work is in progress.  Barring either of those, the best thing you can do is to go through the Illinois return about once per week until the error condition goes away.  Program updates are generally released about once per week.

@h2-tape 

[SteamTrain]

Fridays are the best time to check, since early-week software  updates are very rare.

[skyman88]

Adding a post on this topic for increased awareness for TurboTax. Can't efile any returns (federal or state) until this is fixed. 

[m8ttg1v]

Also posting. I have the same issue and cannot efile federal or state returns until it is resolved. 

[Andy90]

Also impacted by this change.

[andrescruz36]

Here for the same issue. Please fix this as this is impact every single Illinois filer who contributes to a Bright Start 529 plan and is attempting to e-file.

[John0071]

Thanks for posting this question. Also having the same error preventing me from e-filing. I requested a refund and they denied it. Will not be using TurboTax next year to say the least!

[MBKugler · Accepted solution]

As of 2/9, it is possible to file with a letter. Just remove the dash.

[h2-tape]

Thank you very much for the update! This worked for me. Much appreciated.

[Very Angry]

TurboTax 2024 still blocked me from sending both returns at the end of February, and I tried both deleting the -02 (the new system has a letter at the beginning and, if you have more than one 529 people, keeps the same number and adds a -01 and a -02), didn't work, and the A at the beginning (didn't work), and the all 4 and it finally worked. However, I hope they fix it for the rest of you, because I am expecting an audit.