Can I file my NY tax return by mail? My federal tax return had to be filed bymail.Turbo tax does not allow me to e-file my state tax return unless my federal return is to

[mauga-paul]

According to NY Department of Taxation and Finance, all NY refunds must be filed electronically "E-file mandate" when it is created using a tax software like turbotax. Failure to do so can result in fines. The problem here is that Turbo tax will not allow me to E-file unless my federal tax return is too. I simply can't e-file my federal tax return because that I did not earn any income as a student in 2020. Turbo tax recommended that because of that IRS mandates I file by mail.

[ee-ea]

The reason that you're experiencing difficultly with e-filing a New York state tax return is almost certainly due to the fact that the TurboTax software won't allow that to happen, when the user has first selected (or was forced into) the paper file option for their federal tax return.  There is no way to "fix" this, or to change the software program to accommodate a New York state e-file. 

The underlying reasons for this, however, are that the New York Department of Taxation and Finance needs a taxpayer's Form 1040 (federal return) in order to process the state return.  Where there exists no e-file version of the TurboTax user's federal tax return, it is not possible for the software to create one just for a New York e-file effort.  Also, in an effort to combat tax return identity fraud (theft), in cooperation with the state revenue authorities, it is not possible in TurboTax to e-file just a state tax return alone, without an accompanying e-file federal tax return.

Thus, despite New York's mandate for e-filing, you are left with a couple of reasonable choices. 

Probably the easiest thing to do, however, is to simply ignore the New York e-file mandate (for the very good reason that you are unable to comply in TurboTax, having already paper filed a federal tax return), and print and mail your state return to New York, along with signed copies of Pages 1 and 2 of your Form 1040.  Here is a link to the valid, official, New York mailing addresses that you can use for this paper filing purpose:

https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/file/return_assembly_mail.htm

[mauga-paul]

Thank You ee-ea. I guess I am left with no real choice, but to pursue that option given the April 15 deadline. Seeing how Turbo Tax failed to warn me about how filing by mail would automatically disqualify me from e-filing my state tax return. Had I known that I would have stopped my whole tax return process in its tracks. Hopefully others see this message before they make the same mistake!

[johnlyttle3]

Thanks... I used the Estate Software for a different return and ran into a similar problem.  This software allowed me to file the Federal in paper and then go back and file the NY state return electronically.  Turbotax is not communicating with themselves. :(

[constance e]

I too have run into the same problem in that the IRS is requiring that I file the 1040 by mail (due to a specific circumstance) but New York State law requires their return be filed electronically because I have used a tax preparation software.   I understand your response of why Turbo Tax software will not allow the State return be e-filed when filing the Fed by mail, however it seems absurd to me that there isn't an adequate fix for this situation.  You stated that we are left with a couple of reasonable choices but you only provided one choice.  

I find the advice to ignore New York State's law to be irresponsible at best.     I may have missed it in another thread, but what is the 2nd reasonable choice?

[DoninGA]

@constance e 

New York requirements for e-filing - https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/efile/efile_mandate_for_individuals.htm

You're required to electronically file your return if you meet all three of the following conditions:

• you use software to prepare your own personal income tax return; and
• your software supports the electronic filing of your return; and
• you have broadband Internet access.

Since the TurboTax software does not support electronic filing of the New York tax return, the New York return can be printed, signed, dated and mailed.

[constance e]

Thank you! I appreciate the quick response!

[sd0n05]

did this method work for you?

[tc32]

TT hasn't fixed this yet?

TT does not warn you when you discover you can't efile due to a safe harbor statement , that you then cannot efile the State return