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Level 2

Question

Failed Validation

74 replies
462 views

When I try to e-file, I get an error saying validation failed b/c an update is available for my program. When I check for updates, there are none. What can I do?

HelenC12

Alumni - Intuit

Please see the suggestions below:

If you're on a PC, open TurboTax and select Check for Updates from the Online menu near the top. Tips:

It's best to use a wired, high-speed connection when updating, both to save time and minimize data corruption.
If your connection drops in the middle of the update, try again; it should pick up where it left off.
If you're having trouble updating on your PC, try a manual update.

If you're using a Mac computer and you want to make sure you're up-to-date, quit and reopen TurboTax. If you're not on the latest release, the program will automatically download it.

If that doesn't work, you can force a download of the most recent update.

Open TurboTax and select the TurboTax menu.
On your keyboard, hold down the Option key.
This will change the Check for Updates menu option to Download Latest Updates...
Selecting this option will force the most recent update for TurboTax to download and install.

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

PJ9322Author

Level 2

Thank you for your response.

I tried to update from the menu and it didn't work. I ended up uninstalling and reinstalling the software and that worked.

Tax20215

Level 2

I uninstalled, re-installed Turbo Tax. I restarted and opened Turbo Tax. It ran all the updates. Vola! I could file my taxes with no prolem.

I tried update my information, re-saved addresses and phone. None of these worked.

thedad57

Level 2

I have this same issue. I tried the forced download update trick (well, good tricks work..) and go nowhere. I removed and reinstalled (that's not a short process). And still I have this issue.

Intuit, we have ONE WEEK before we're hosed and have to file paper. FIX THIS PLEASE.

A 20 year user of your software might not see another year at this rate.

GregB1969

Level 2

Yes. I have the same issue and have been loyal for about 20 years also.

Really frustrated that intuit has screwed up this program.

Speechless that you are not disturbed by the number of customers you will loose with this poor service.

CoffeeAddict

Level 2

I am having this same issue, now a week from the filing deadline, have tried several days, updating the software, restarting my PC, no change. I really don't want to mail my taxes in as the eFile is a big part of why I even pay for Turbotax.

srbgo1

Level 2

2020 Turbo Tax Sucks A BIG ONE. Spent hours 5/9/2021 with a SO CALLED SPECIALIST. He said to wait 24 hours and try again, they would push update to me. NO HELP BUDDY WITH THE ACCENT. I have a case #[social security number removed] BUT THE PROMPT WON'T ALLOW ME TO SPEAK WITH LIVE PERSON. WHAT TO DO?

mgwi

Level 2

SAME issue here. Been trying to submit my federal and two state returns (IL and WI) all day/afternoon. Going on hour 6 of just trying to submit. Been hung up on by support 3x and finally got someone who stuck with me for an hour plus of problem solving, however she didn't seem to understand the difference between the mac app and the web based app and kept asking me to try another browser. So.... how do I get to e-file after paying all this money for the program, the extra state download, and the two state filing fees? Nothing is working. I am on a Macbook Air (OS 10.14.6). This is the first year TurboTax has been so useless.

Rainac

Level 2

I've been trying to file since Sunday also. Same failed validation on my Mac book pro. I've already filed 3 peoples taxes (my family) on this program and mine would be the 4th so I should be able to. And of course I've checked for updates and it says I'm up to date. Come on Turbo-tax!!! fix this

Dan Busse

Level 2

Hello,

I am getting the same response. I checked for updates and it says there are none. Please advise.

rcbutchko

Level 2

Same problem. Have manually run the newest update file (twice), reinstalled by direct download from turbotax (twice) reinstalled from cd-rom, and shut off and restarted my modem and router. Nothing works. I have been on a call with a supervisor at turbotax support for over two hours now, and she has no idea what else we could do.

This is a massive breakdown in the program. Turbotax is great when it runs, but it is completely unacceptable when bad programming makes it impossible to file your taxes. I hope there will be an appropriate response from Turbotax soon.

sleepmac

Level 2

I just tried it twice as well and got the same error.

Fanny_W

Level 2

Getting the same problem others have when attempting to e-file 2021 federal/State taxes. Once the transmit button is pressed, TurboTax comes back with "FAILED_VALIDATON. there is an update available for your version of TurboTax. Before you can file electronically, you'll need to get this update. To do this, go to the Online Menu and select Check for updates". I have the checked for the latest update and appear to have it (3/10/2022); TurboTax says "Your software is up to date". I've tried manually updating too and still get the same Failed validation message. Help!

luboldi

Level 2

I am having this same issue for 2021 return. The program says its up to date. I manually downloaded and installed federal updates to see if that would change anything but it did not. I still cannot get past e-file validation. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you

victoria08553

Level 2

Try changing state to file by mail and submit federal. You may need to mail the state return.

tsviper

Level 2

Yeah, I was able to file federal just fine...just stuck on state...worse case I can mail but I paid extra for the e-file so I'd like to get that to work instead of having to waste time trying to get a refund etc.

nh1948

Level 2

I had the same issue. I called and a turbo tax specialist had me go to my computer's task manager and close the turbo tax app and then restart. worked perfectly after that. even though I thought I had closed turbo tax previously, it seems doing it through task manager works better.

wizard123

Level 2

3-10-22

i tried the "checking for updates" option. my software was up to date. I performed a manual update.

Still got Failed_Validation error.

I reset my PC network interface (Windows 11), once the PC had rebooted i launched Turbo Tax.

i reviewed the screen that gathers your drivers license information and noticed the "Today's date" was incorrect. i corrected it and after all that the tax data was successfully transmitted.

nrmielke

Level 2

What worked for me was to e-file only my federal taxes first, and then back up in the software and e-file my state taxes. Trying to e-file both at the same time caused the "failed validation" error. My state happens to be California. I am using the desktop software for 2021, with Windows 11.

I did try the recommendations to uninstall and reinstall Turbotax, and to re-boot, but that did not work.