Efile transmission not going through, error code 2

[JTLaur]

Changing the Security settings (including turning off firewall entirely) did not work, still seeing Error 2 for the ~50th time.

I am using the installed Desktop edition, TurboTax Premium.  I don't understand all the comments about "uploading" PDF files - I didn't upload anything, TurboTax made all the files for filing. Hence I don't see any way to reduce the size of the file that is internal to TurboTax.

Anyone using Desktop (not browser) found an answer to this, a way to get around the Error?

Today is tax day, and I have been trying to get this working all last evening. I need to get this figured out!

[ClassyPenguin]

I had this same error yesterday, 4/14/25 and again today. I was able to send just the federal (I removed the state from file temporarily). However, I’ve not been able to send my brother’s federal or state. 

[CatinaT1]

See this thread: https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/taxes/discussion/efile-transmission-not-going-through-error-code-2...

[ClassyPenguin]

I’m using Desktop Deluxe and have no attachments nor exceptionally large returns. Thank you to the person who said I couldn’t file the state until the federal is accepted.  I’m still not able to file my brother’s federal and state.  It’s just strange they have had this problem for months and not added capacity. 

[JTLaur]

I already went through the options in that thread, before I wrote my post.

- They are attaching PDF files, so I assume they are using browser. I am using desktop version. I didn't attach anything.

-  I tried changing the security settings discussed (as I said in my post), they didn't help.

-  I saved, closed, reopened TT, ran update (none found). That didn't help.

Q: Is there a way to reduce the size of the file that TT is uploading in the Desktop edition?

What do I try next?

[JTLaur]

I am only e-filing Federal (VA state not due till May 1).  

I have been using TurboTax for probably 20 year; this is the first time I have had this. But I see other posts going back at least to 2019 and 2020.  Agreed, they should have figured this out by now.

[KristinaK]

@ClassyPenguin can you please rerun your Federal and State reviews and try again? Thank you! 

[ClassyPenguin]

I will.  Thank you.  

[user17579889635]

Thank you RNDawson for mentioning the file size. This turned out to be my issue when receiving this error and you saved my bacon at 8pm on the due date of the return, yup, I procrastinated! I had been able to file a return without issue a couple days ago but couldn't figure out what the difference was with this return. Intuit support is worthless, you almost always have to find answers within the community or on your own.  I'm grateful to you!

[genealogybug]

We found a solution that worked for us. What we did - since we have two (isp) services - migrated the laptop to the second (isp). The difference in (subnet networking) reset the (windows firewall rules) as associated to (Intuit inbound/outbound) entries.

Most have only one (isp) service.  Suggestion - try rebooting the (cable modem) and (router) while your laptop is powered off. 

[taecklund]

THANK YOU for this post!  I continued to receive the Error 2 when trying to submit my returns.  I changed the Form 8453-PE to a jpeg instead of a PDF and it went through immediately.

[klmichae]

I am also see this error:

"We are experiencing internet transmission problems.  Your transmissions did not go through.  Intuits Electronic Filing center did not receive your returns.  Please try again later.  Error 2"

I am using the desktop version of Turbotax premier on Windows 11.

I got this error yesterday.  I tried again many times today and I am still seeing this error.  How can I get past it?

Karen

[RNDawson]

I assume you have a file attached to the tax return? If so, It sounds like your file attachment is too big and the server is timing out before the entire file transmits.  If it is a pdf file,  you need to reduce the file size. This can be done in Adobe if you have a paid version or there are free websites where you can reduce a file size. Just be careful you use a trustworthy site. Research it first.

If you don't have a paid Adobe subscription,  sometimes they offer 7 day free trials and you would just need to remember to cancel it before a charge.

Good luck!!

[klmichae]

I did not have any attachments.  I had VPN on.  When I turned it off, I was able to submit my return.

Karen