When I get to the last step, TT won't let me e-file because it says there is an update but when I update it says that everything is already up to date. I called and was told I am not alone in this problem and that it is being fixed. Is there any news? It's quite frustrating!
You can use the link below to sign up for notifications and also if you would like to try the workaround steps, they are listed below too and have worked for some users. When attempting to e-file a return in the TurboTax for Windows CD/Download software, this message appears:
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.
However, after updating, the same message continues to reappear, resulting in an endless loop.
Workaround
Some customers have been able to successfully e-file with this workaround:
@TravisCycleInc which version of TurboTax are you using? Online, Desktop or downloaded?
I am stuck in this loop trying to file my Illinois state taxes. Is there a workaround for IL yet?
I was able to get past this issue using a manual update process - found here:
Download the file, run the updater and try to e-file your taxes again. It has worked for a number of folks with this issue; it certainly worked for me.
The TurboTax program even seems to run a little smoother after this manual update, so I have to wonder what was left out of the last set of updates they pushed out...
I am using the CD version of Deluxe on Win7. I am also stuck in the update loop when trying to file Federal Return only. I have downloaded the Ohio forms but am filing those on Ohio's site since it is free. I have filed taxes this way for years and never had this issue before. I have tried reinstalling software but it wont allow me to open the return without downloading the Ohio Forms. I have also tried removing the State forms using the state cleanup tool but since TT has to be closed to use the removal tool, TT wont allow me to open the return without getting Ohio forms again. Open for suggestions and hoping a patch comes through quickly.
Thanks
Replying to my own message here. I found this updater and it worked. I was able to transmit my federal returns. Hope this helps others, good luck...
Here's the FIX via the TurboTax support person: I have the CD Deluxe version, so clearing cookies is not applicable. He first had me check my windows 10 for updates - which I had some pending, so I completed those. Then he had me check my McAfee antivirus for updates - which I also had one pending, so I completed that. He then sent a link to my email address for a MANUAL update of TurboTax. This takes a few minutes to install and prompts you through it. Don't run the TurboTax program till it is complete. Once it was done I started TurboTax and answered YES to install updates. I went to the final Transmit prompt and BOOM!, it worked perfectly! All done! I'm not sure which of the solutions actually did the trick or if all these steps were needed. Try your Windows and antivirus updates first and if that doesn't work call for the MANUAL update link to be emailed to you. Here's their number: [phone number removed]. Give them your case # if you have one for faster response. If they're backed up they are nice enough to call you back with the callback number you leave. Good luck! Oh, by the way I tried uninstalling and re-installing the CD before all this but that didn't help. If you try a reinstall, back up your data to a different directory if you know how. I had to copy the 'cai' form (california) back over from the backup cuz it was expecting me to pay $39.99 for it. Also, if you reinstall the CD without erasing it first there is an option to 'repair' a previous install. I never tried that, but it could work. Don't worry, you can reinstall or uninstall the program without losing your data. It is stored in a different area (under Users). Also, another support person told me that this was an error message that occurred when the TurboTax servers were 'overloaded'. He had me turn off the Firewall to fix the problem, but that didn't do anything at all. I think he didn't know what he was talking about. Hmm. Other suggestions about closing the program or Rebooting didn't work either. Anyway, good luck. Hope this helps!
This article can also help with update issues.
I am having the same problem. It is caught in some loop.
I've tried all the steps on this blog, was forwarded the update by TT customer service. Removed TT and then reinstalled. Nothing is working. Same error reappears when trying to e-file. Quite frustrating especially after paying the fee to e-file state return and also paid for the deluxe version. TT please fix ASAP! This is taking more of my time then actually it did to complete my taxes....
I use a mac. The manual update seems to be for windows. Is there a manual update for mac?
@esloquent There is no manual updates for a Mac, you would simply quit and reopen TurboTax. If there are any updates, you'll be prompted to download them. please see the TurboTax FAQ's for assistance for updates for MAC:
Unfortunately even this generates an error; I get an error that says TurboTax 2019 is not installed, but it is.
@DobbyTheElf Please see the TurboTax FAQ below for assistance with this error:
@CassLO Thank you for your response, but I think you misread my situation. The error is not due to a competing version that is already installed, but rather the manual update does not recognize that it is installed in the first place: "The upgrade patch cannot be installed by the Windows Installer service because the program to be upgraded may be missing, or the upgrade patch may update a different version of the program"
My TurboTax is doing the same thing, stuck in the update loop and can't file!
2/18/2020
Some states require a manual patch:
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/state-taxes/discussion/ma-ny-download-manual-pat[product key removed]e-chrome-or-microsoft-edge/00/1188918
The work around did not work for me. I file in Illinois for state taxes and the problem seems to be with the state package for Illinois. I WAS able to e-file federal only by making the necessary selection for federal and de-selecting Illinois. I have paid for Illinois e-file and must wait for a fix before I am able to e-file my state taxes. A tech rep indicated that the problem was identified about a week ago (today is 2/20/20) and the hope was that a fix might be available by early next week.
I have uninstalled and reinstalled Turbotax multiple times and I still get caught in the loop of hell. It keeps telling me that I need to update, but I have already updated. I get all the way to the end of the process and click to efile my taxes and it won't "validate" because it says it needs an update.
I spent 90 minutes on the phone with rep today. We uninstalled/reinstalled TT 3 times. I also downloaded a new version on laptop vs CPU. Still have the same problem- stuck in update loop for IL state version. I paid $19.99 and can't file. Used the ttscleanup.zipfile cleanup tool. Uninstalled/reinstalled IL software. STILL stuck in update loop.
This is extremely frustrating. At this point, I want a refund of my filing fee and I'll mail paper copy. I have spent way too much time on this and don't want to wait week for a fix that may or may not work.
How do I go about obtaining a refund on my filing fee? Please advise
Same thing happened to me. Reinstalling didn't work for me either. Ask the TT representative to email you a link to do MANUAL UPDATES. Apply all of them before you start TT. The prompts guide you through so just follow them. Once you are through (maybe 8-10min.) all is 'clear' and you can finally get back to the TT program and TRANSMIT with no block. Did the trick for me!
Same thing happened to me. Reinstalling didn't work for me either. Ask the TT representative to email you a link to do MANUAL UPDATES. Apply all of them before you start TT. The prompts guide you through so just follow them. Once you are through (maybe 8-10min.) all is 'clear' and you can finally get back to the TT program and TRANSMIT with no block. Did the trick for me! Oh, by the way, he also had me complete any pending updates to Windows 10 (which I had pending) and updates to my antivirus (which I had pending). I don't know if this was part of the problem, but the end result worked.