Changing from paper to e-file and doing so without amendments

[MrTani]

Hi all,

I planned to paper file my taxes given an uncommon situation of multiple over-contributions in previous years. Hence, I chose the paper file option in TurboTax as I wanted to manually add some Form 5329s. Yet, New York state does not allow me to paper file and requires me to e-file my federal. I only learned about that after the fact.

So, now I want to switch to e-file my federal and state tax, but Turbo tax does not allow me to do so.

1) First, I can only amend my 1040 to add the over-contributions even though I have never sent my paper 1040 to the IRS. Why can't I just add it to my TY2022 without an amendment?

2) And then how can I change the filing method? The method described here does not work as there isn't "File" in step 5.

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

1.  No you don't need to amend.  Just add it to your return.  

If you haven't efiled or mailed your return or it rejected you can go back in to finish and change anything you want.  Do not click on Amend!

Click on Add a State to let you back into your return.

From Tax Home (the first screen you see after you sign in), scroll down to Your tax returns & documents. You may have to select Show to open the drop down.

Select 2022 and then select Add a State (you're not actually adding a state, this is just the workaround).

Then when you are ready to file you can try to switch to efile.

  https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/e-file/help/how-do-i-change-from-mail-to-e-file-in-turbotax-online...

[fanfare]

There is no problem and nothing preventing you from mailing a state tax return to NY.

visit the NY revenue website to get the mailing address for a paper tax return.

@MrTani 

[MrTani]

Thank you. In the end I had to call TurboTax and it turns out that there was a glitch / bug preventing me from making changes without doing an amendment.

[MrTani]

We would fall under the NY e-file mandate, no?

[Cynthiad66]

Yes.  You fall under the NY e-file mandate.  See information below from NY.gov.

Who must e-file

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.

What you need to know about the e-file mandate

• The cost of tax preparation software always includes the e-filing service; New York State law prohibits additional charges.
• You are not required to electronically file if you:
  
  • download forms from our website,
  • pick up forms at your local library, or
  • order forms from us by phone.

If we can be of further assistance, please come back to the forum.

@MrTani