My IL tax return is complete and ready to file by mail, but when I download the IL state tax return it has "DO NOT FILE" and "FORM NOT FINAL" watermarked along the back.

[brynlowry]

Have completed my tax return, and ready to mail back - want to know why it still has this watermark on the background of the PDF.

[VimalkumarM · Accepted solution]

Hi,

If You are using a desktop program.  First run your program updater, then try again. 

If the watermark persists, then it might be that the state has not "finalized" their forms.  It has nothing to do with your actual return.  TurboTax is just waiting until that particular state gives the go ahead that their forms are ready to go.  Both the IRS and the states make minor, or sometimes major changes to their forms or tax laws every year which is why there is sometimes a delay in form readiness. 

You can check one of the lists below and see the dates yourself.   On the dates lists below you will see 3 columns, depending on how your return is prepared--Mac, Online, and Windows.  There will be a date shown for efiled form, and a date shown for printed form.   When a form becomes available, the date will change to "available."  If it says "print only", then that form cannot be efiled. 

Federal forms availability dates: https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1908854-irs-forms-availability-table-for-turbotax-individual-perso...

State forms availability dates: https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1908857-forms-availability-table-for-turbotax-state-except-busines...

Hope this helps!

[sewald1126]

I am having the same issue. The date for IL says it is available now though. I'm not sure what you mean by desktop program. I just login to the turbo tax website and file my return. Can you please let me know what I need to do to print this return without the watermark and get it filed? Thank you