CA Form 568 e-file for 2025

[ARetiredCPA]

I'm trying to make sense of the box that TT prompts me to check to acknowledge that TT cannot e-file the return, and that I have to print and mail it instead.  The reason is there is an amount on Form 3885L for Depr/Amort (from Sch B, Ln 17a, which is on "Side 5" of Form 568 when you view forms).

But, at least in my case, Side 5 is not one of the pages that TT prints for me to file.

It only prints Side 1-3, and 7.  And TT doesn't even have form 3885L, which is where the Depr/Amort gets reported.

So why would an entry on a page that doesn't even get filed, of an amount that the state doesn't see, negate the ability to e-file Form 568?  

Or, am I supposed to get Form 3885L directly from the FTB and fill it out, print it and mail it with the Form 568 pages from TT?   Even though the Depr/Amort amount on the 3885L doesn't even show up on any of the other pages of the 568 that I'll be mailing?

Can anybody make it make sense?

[MelindaS1]

What this error message means is that if there is an amount present on Schedule B, Line 17a, then CA Form 3885L is required to be added; to add this form: 

1. Select Forms view (upper right) 

2. Above the Forms In My Return menu, select Open Form

3. Type 3885L into the search, highlight it on the list, and select the blue Open Form button to add it in.

3. Or select [+] next to California Limited Liability Return of Income, and scroll down to find 3885L, highlight and select Open Form

Note: you will not find it if you're looking at the forms in the California Partnership Return of Income list.

4. Complete required entries on the form using Step-by-Step view, switch back to Forms to verify the output, select Errors to run the check, and then continue to e-file.

You can check the State forms availability table for TurboTax Business to see which forms are supported and currently available for CA LLC's or general partnerships on each list. The 2025 Form 3885L is ready to go for print or e-file, per the lookup table.

[ARetiredCPA]

Thank MelindaS1, but the forms lookup table does not return Form 3885L as a form that is currently available.  Nor does it show up when I search Forms in My Return.

Can you post a link or a screen shot?

And do I really need to include the 3885L with the 568 that I have to mail in?  The value that would appear on the 3885L does not actually appear on any of the pages of the 568 that TT printed to mail.

Thanks,

Stan

[MonikaK1 · Accepted solution]

Form 568 can't be submitted with your 540 via e-file in certain situations. The situations in which it must be printed and mailed are shown on the form in TurboTax. If you are using a Desktop version of TurboTax, In Forms Mode, open the form and scroll to the very bottom. Depreciation on 3885L is one of the situations listed.

TurboTax generally does not support electronic filing (e-file) for California Form 3885L (Depreciation and Amortization for LLCs) within its TurboTax Home & Business software. While it may compute the depreciation, the software frequently flags this form as unsupported for e-filing, often requiring users to paper-file the Form 568 California LLC return.

If you are unable to e-file CA Form 568, apply for the waiver and mail in a hard copy. Form 3885L does not need to be included in that filing.  See also this discussion.

@ARetiredCPA