"Fix M1W error before filing"

[bschwen2]

I finished my return but can't file because of the message stating "schedule M1W 1 Line 2- income must be entered". However, when I look back at the actual M1W form, I can see an entry on line 2 (which equals the totals of a1 and a2 above). I see no error but am blocked from e-filing my return (unless I print and mail).

I've followed advice to try clearing my cache and using a different browser without success.

[DaveF1006]

It depends. Even though you see the number on Line 2, the software is "stuck" because it believes a required field—usually the State ID Number or State Wages—is missing from the source entry.

Why this is happening

On Schedule M1W, Line 2, Minnesota requires three distinct pieces of data to validate your withholding:

• Payer’s 7-digit MN State ID Number 
• State Income Amount (even if it matches Federal)
• If you entered a 1099-R or 1099-INT in the Federal section and the "State ID" was left blank (or used a "dummy" ID like 99-99999), the MN form will pull the amount but fail the validation check for e-filing.

Since browser clearing didn't work, the issue is within the data itself. Try these steps in order:

1. The Federal "State ID" Refresh (Most Likely Fix) 

• Go back to the Federal section (Wages & Income) and find the 1099s or W-2Gs that have Minnesota withholding. 
• Check Box 15/16/17 (or the state equivalent on your 1099). 
• The 7-Digit Rule: Minnesota state IDs are exactly 7 digits. If your form has a longer number (like a federal EIN) or "Applied For," the e-file will reject.

 Delete the state ID, type it back in manually (do not copy/paste), and ensure the State Income box is not blank. If the form shows $0, enter $1.

Sometimes the state interview creates a "duplicate" blank row on Schedule M1W that you can't see on the summary page.

• Desktop Version: Go to Forms Mode (top right) > Find Schedule M1W in the left list > Click Errors at the bottom. If a red exclamation mark appears on a blank line, right-click that line and select Delete. 
• Online Version: Go to Tax Tools > Tools > Delete a form. Find Schedule M1W, delete it, and then go back into the Minnesota "State" interview to let it recreate the form from your Federal data.