Desktop Deluxe Virginia State Math Issue

Forum|Forum|7 months ago
January 17, 2026
6 replies
346 views

On my 2025 Virginia state return, the software shows my income as a negative number. I would have expected it to be $0. Is this a software error? The state did NOT pay me money in 2025. 😉 My income is just Social Security and Interest.

Best answer by RogerD1

I realize I do not need to file a state return this year, but I bought the state option and this year's income is a large reduction from last year.

i am concerned that Virginia will not like negative income numbers. I would have expected them to be zero.

The instructions for Virginia Form 760 state that Line 9 Virginia Adjusted Gross Income is line 3 (subtotal of Federal AGI + Virginia additions) less the subtotal of subtractions on line 8. The instructions do not state that Line 9 has to be zero if line 8 is greater than line 3, so reporting it as a negative number would be correct.

DianeW777

Level 15

If you would like to send us a “diagnostic” file that has your “numbers” but not your personal information it would help.  If you would like to do this, here are the instructions: (Don't forget to give us the state)

TurboTax Online:

Open your return -Go to the menu panel on the left side of your return and select Tax Tools.

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

TurboTax Desktop:

If you like, you can send a copy of your return that will be scrubbed to eliminate your personal data by using these steps:

Click on Online in the top left menu of TurboTax Desktop for Windows
Select 'Send Tax File to Agent'* > Follow the prompts to reach the token number.
- Enter your email used for TurboTax > Enter your code > Send
Write down or send an image of your token number and state then place in this issue.
We can then review your exact scenario for a solution.
Please also tell us any states included in the return. This is necessary for us to view the return.
- *If using a MAC, go to the menu at the top of the screen, select Help, then, 'Send Tax File to Agent')

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

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post. **Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"

user17686807177Author

Level 2

Token Image

Virginia is the only state on this return.

Is my Virginia state taxable income supposed to be a negative number? This is what I am seeing.

DianeW777

Level 15

Yes. Your Virginia (VA) return will begin with the federal adjusted gross income (AGI) as you can see, then the VA allowable deductions are listed. Although this does show negative figures it clearly shows you do not owe any tax and your actual income for VA is below zero. You can proceed to file your tax returns.

You are not required to file the VA return based on their requirements and your income. It's your choice.