In Turbotax desktop state est tax payments are not included in computation.

[APatil]

I have added estimated federal and state (CA) tax payments made for 2021. While federal tax computation is good, the state tax computation doesn't include it. Is this a bug? How do I get around it?

[LenaH · Accepted solution]

I did a mockup return using TurboTax desktop. I added four California estimates to the appropriate federal screen (screenshot attached) and the estimates flowed through to the state return. Please ensure you entered your California estimates to this screen. Also, please ensure you pick the state from the dropdown menu, enter the date paid and the amount paid for each payment. 

If you are still getting an error, it would be helpful to have a TurboTax ".tax2021" file that is experiencing this issue.

You can send us a “diagnostic” file that has your “numbers” but not your personal information. If you would like to do this, here are the instructions: Go to the black panel on the left side of your program and select Tax Tools. 

1. Then select Tools below Tax Tools. 
2. A window will pop up which says Tools Center.  
3. On this screen, select Share my file with Agent. 
4. You will see a message explaining what the diagnostic copy is. Click okay through this screen and then you will get a Token number. 
5. Reply to this thread with your Token number. This will allow us to open a copy of your return without seeing any personal information.  

We will then be able to see exactly what you are seeing and we can determine what exactly is going on in your return and provide you with a resolution.

[APatil]

Thanks. It was an issue with user experience. When I entered the estimated payments I had made, it did not prompt me to specify the state. Later when I went for the "review" - it asked me that question, and when I specified state as CA, it did take that into account.

Over all I think desktop version is not as good as the online version when it comes to user friendliness.