NY requires me to e-file tax returns but your software will not let me without e-filing federal returns. My fed returns has been paper filed 2 months ago.

[macuser_22]

1)  NY state does NOT require e-file if the software you are using does not support e-fileing state without the Federal also e-filed and accepted first.

2) This rule was demanded by states after ID thieves started e-fileing fraudulent  state only returns in order to avoid the Federal ID theft checks on a Federal tax return.   Now most tax software will not allow state filing unless the Federal checks have been passed with an accepted Federal e-file first.

The has eliminated most  state tax fraud.

Tax professionals using professional software can e-file state only because professionals must first personally verify your ID and you must physically sign a release.

[hankb99]

@macuser_22 It's very aggravating to hear these "Champs" make comments that push the blame back to the taxpayer, the state government or the federal government.  They are not the problems.  TurboTax is the problem.  At minimum it's a deceptive business practice (I believe it's fraudulent) to accept payment on a service that they don't provide prior to letting you know that they don't provide it, then don't offer to give your money back.  This forum should remove your title, which suggests that you are a trusted authority, when you and @DoninGA try to derail the conversation by providing false guidance.

1) Nice try on adding the qualifier "... does not support e-fileing [sic] state without the Federal also e-filed and accepted first."  Curious to see what new qualifier you come up with next.  By the way, my federal e-filed return WAS accepted first, so that doesn't apply to me, and I'm assuming several others here.

2) Don't think it's because it was a complicated return, because all we did was our w-2 and a standard deduction ... actually much more simple than last year's NYS return that was successfully e-filed. 

3) I happen to have several very good friends at the NYS Department of Tax, including a recent Commissioner.  So don't try to tell me that they are the problem here.

4) TurboTax could fix this by giving refunds to all those who tried to efile NYS returns, post a public apology and fix the problem that's on their end.  It would save everyone time and money.  This isn't going to turn out well for them if the AG starts digging around. 

[Spuds1704]

@macuser_22  your response is completely worthless and antagonistic. Either provide a meaningful SOLUTION or don't waste EVERYONE'S time.

[Outsider]

So I paper filed my federal tax return in February because I was applying for an ITIN for my dependent. 

Today I wanted to efile my state return but I get this message: This return cannot be e-filed before your federal return has been e-filed. You will need to e-file this return at the same time as your federal return, or after your federal return has been e-filed.

Why I can't efile my remaining state return if my federal is already being processed? 

[xmasbaby0]

@Outsider A state return cannot be e-filed unless the federal return was e-filed and accepted.  Since you mailed your federal return you cannot e-file your state return.  Your state return has to be printed signed and mailed.  When you print it for mailing it will print with mailing instructions and the correct state address to send it to.

[Outsider]

@xmasbaby0 Should I also include form 1040 with it and attach all the tax forms like W-2 or I just have to sign the printed return and mail it? Thanks!

[macuser_22]

---

@Outsider wrote:

@xmasbaby0 Should I also include form 1040 with it and attach all the tax forms like W-2 or I just have to sign the printed return and mail it? Thanks!

---

When you print for filing by mail then the first page should tell you where to mail and what to attach.  Many states require a copy of the Federal tax return, a copy of any W-2 form and 1099 forms that have tax withholding to be attached.  NY probably does also.

[Opus 17]

NY does not require a copy of the federal 1040.  Just mail in what the program prints for you.  

[kzigmant]

The solution may be the W-2 Box 14, Code K.  Change the code from ""NY Tax Exempt"" to "Subject to NY Tax".  Then go to File Section.  Go through up until the last page that has Transmit my return.  Don't transmit the return.

Once you get to this page, Go back to the W-2 and change Box 14 Code back to "NY Tax Exempt"

Now go back to File Section and you should be able to efile your return.

[MaryM428]

TurboTax software will not let you efile a state unless you use the software to file your federal return.  If you do not need to file federal and want to just send a New York state return with TurboTax you only option is to print and mail the return.  

Even though New York State says that they will not accept mailed returns, they will accept a mailed return.

[kzigmant]

If you don't care about efiling the Federal, then you would be required to efile Federal first before you are able to efile State.  

What I posted had to do with an issue related to the state specifically and a way to resolve that issue so that the state NY can be efiled, assuming of course, that you'll be efiling the Federal return as well.

[hankb99]

Not true on the second point.  Turbo Tax's own software prints out a page saying that NYS doesn't accept returns that were prepared digitally.  It's a NYS Department of Taxation rule.

Honestly, everyone out there who's reading this, ask yourself: For a NYS tax question, should I believe a random employee at TurboTax who posts in a forum online, or should I trust both NYS's own tax rules, along with what the TurboTax program prints out?  If you trust this person, who tells you to do the opposite of what the higher authorities say, you might be in a painful position if you are audited.

[xmasbaby0]

Mailing address for NY tax returns that must be filed on paper:

https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/file/return_assembly_mail.htm

[DL-NY]

Found this answer on another board. It worked for me. I couldn't e-file my NY state return. I went back through my NY State return and removed every 0 amount I put in. When I tried to file again, I got the e-file option for NY State and successfully e-filed my return.

"I had the same problem as well. I was able to fix it by deleting any "0s" that I entered for non-applicable fields. I think the system processes "0s" as invalid numbers. I hope this helps!"

[uy1]

thats great to hear now, however ive already completed the process and cannot now go back and update. now what are my steps? sit on hold for 3 hours with customer service? mail to NY state when page 6 of 18 now states that it is now NY law to file electronically?