Print to mail in CA -desktop

[California_filer]

I e-filed my Fed return but prefer to mail my California state return.  When I print my CA return for filing (using File drop down menu on Desktop version) the Instruction form says that I filed CA state returns electronically.  I did not.  TurboTax e-file status says Fed Taxes were filed (and accepted), not state.  How can I get the correct format for mail filing my CA state taxes.  The version that prints has none of the bar codes I usually see when printing for filing by mail. 

I tried closing and reopening the program without success.  Please help.  

[LindaS5247]

To correctly print your California state return for mailing, you must explicitly change your filing method from E-file to "File by Mail" within the TurboTax Desktop software.

In TurboTax, go to the top menu, select File, then select Electronic Filing, and click "Check Electronic Filing Status". This forces the software to recognize the federal return was already filed and accepted.

Go back to the File tab and go through the process again, but choose "File by Mail" rather than "E-file" when asked for your California return.

Make sure you have downloaded the latest TurboTax updates to so your California forms are ready for paper filing. If you are using TurboTax Desktop, you can manually check for updates for  your TurboTax program by clicking on "Online" in the black bar near the top of your screen and selecting "Check for Updates."  TurboTax Online updates automatically.

Select the option to print "All forms and tax schedules" to get the complete mailing packet that includes Form 540 with the barcodes.

Sign the printed Form 540 and mail it using these instructions from the State of California. FILE FORM 540 instruction page.

Please return to Community if you have any additional information or questions and we would be happy to help.

[California_filer]

Thanks for the help.  It is disappointing that this information is not presented within TurboTax program. If one needs to have a e-filed Federal return accepted before being able to print for filing a state return, that information should be part of the instructions in the File tab.  It is not. 

This is not a rare situation--people want to file by mail to save the costs of the filing fee.   It is frustrating that Intuit makes it so difficult to file by mail.  Profit from e-filing fees is valued over customer satisfaction.