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Level 1
posted Feb 17, 2025 11:46:00 AM

Error When Uploading 1099-B for IRS

I've finished entering mutual fund sales using one of my 1099-consolidated documents and now TurboTax is offering to have me upload a PDF version of the 1099-B since some of the info I entered needs to be validated by the IRS.

 

I do not have a specific 1099-B but only the 1099-consolidated. I attempted to upload this file in PDF form but TurboTax Online gives me an error saying that this file is not a valid PDF.

 

Has anyone else run into this issue? I'd much prefer to upload the file rather than mail it but I cannot get this function to work.

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1 Best answer
Expert Alumni
Mar 18, 2025 4:23:11 PM

If you're trying to import a 1099-B from a broker, in the Investment section, choose 'Add Investments'.  Type in the name of the broker in the search area, then double-click on the one that applies (there may be more than one).

 

The Sign In window for your broker will open.  Be sure you have 'third party access' enabled in your broker account.  Once you have entered your credentials, you may get another window displaying documents ready to import.

 

If you're using TurboTax Desktop, you can disable anti-virus programs for a better connection to your broker.  Here's How to Turn Off Anti-Virus Programs.

 

If you're using TurboTax Online, you can attach a PDF copy of your 1099-B to your return.  Clear your  Cache and Cookies between attempts to import. 

 

If you can give more details about how far you get in the process and/or any messages you receive, we'll try to help.

 

You can also Contact TurboTax Support for help. 

 

@dw1hoosier 

@Auros 

@monica404 

 

 

10 Replies
Expert Alumni
Feb 20, 2025 1:46:15 PM

Over several years of experimenting uploading a .PDF file into TurboTax Online, I have not experienced TurboTax Online rejecting a .PDF file.  

 

Perhaps the file is faulty.  Consider using another method to generate the .PDF file and try again.

Level 1
Feb 20, 2025 4:41:56 PM

Unfortunately, it's just the standard PDF that my broker has uploaded to my documents section on the broker's website. I don't have any options to generate it a different way.

 

Are there any requirements that TurboTax Online has for uploading PDFs? A specific browser? Any browser settings that could inhibit the upload?

Expert Alumni
Feb 27, 2025 7:13:09 AM

Your broker may allow you to download the IRS form 1099-B in Excel format.

 

 

Save the IRS form 1099-B in Excel format.  Then Save as the file as a .PDF file.

 

Perhaps this .PDF file will upload for you.

 

 

Level 1
Feb 27, 2025 7:33:37 AM

That's a good suggestion but, unfortunately, my broker does not offer that option. Thankfully, I was able to do a direct connection between TurboTax and my broker and import every single sale (rather than manually input a summary). Thus, I no longer have to upload the 1099-B PDF or mail it in.

 

Thanks for the time spent trying to help.

New Member
Mar 12, 2025 7:00:46 AM

I am getting the exact same error when I try and upload the 1099 Consolidated document.  I tried it last night and again this morning.  I have no idea what is wrong with the file or why turbotax won't accept it.  

 

 

Level 1
Mar 12, 2025 11:53:24 AM

What brokerage is your 1099 from? Have you tried have TurboTax import the information directly?

New Member
Mar 17, 2025 6:29:39 AM

I too have the same error. I tried resaving the pdf and literally nothing works.

Expert Alumni
Mar 18, 2025 4:23:11 PM

If you're trying to import a 1099-B from a broker, in the Investment section, choose 'Add Investments'.  Type in the name of the broker in the search area, then double-click on the one that applies (there may be more than one).

 

The Sign In window for your broker will open.  Be sure you have 'third party access' enabled in your broker account.  Once you have entered your credentials, you may get another window displaying documents ready to import.

 

If you're using TurboTax Desktop, you can disable anti-virus programs for a better connection to your broker.  Here's How to Turn Off Anti-Virus Programs.

 

If you're using TurboTax Online, you can attach a PDF copy of your 1099-B to your return.  Clear your  Cache and Cookies between attempts to import. 

 

If you can give more details about how far you get in the process and/or any messages you receive, we'll try to help.

 

You can also Contact TurboTax Support for help. 

 

@dw1hoosier 

@Auros 

@monica404 

 

 

Level 8
Mar 18, 2025 4:38:20 PM

did you have a lot of adjustments in the 1099 (wash sales, AMD, non-covered securities) etc that prevented you from entering those at detailed level onto Form 8949 (and the rest can be input as sales summaries without adjustment).  That's what is usually triggering the need to mail the 1099 in the first place (or upload which is only available for online), but it's probably avoidable in a lot of cases.

Level 1
Mar 19, 2025 8:20:21 AM

Thanks, @MarilynG1 - I finished my taxes before I could try clearing the cache and cookies between import attempts. However, connecting directly to the broker worked for me so that I didn't have to upload the 1099.

 

@baldietax - yes, I had some wash sales which was then requiring me to upload the 1099 or send it in.