Can't complete E-file/error message below

[ramosantos]

Your transmission didn't go through
We could not e-file your return for the following reason:
The Intuit Electronic Filing System is having difficulty recognizing the data in the return you are sending. To ensure you have the latest version of TurboTax, wait 24 hours to update your program automatically. If you still can't transmit your return, go to www.support.turbotax.com for a solution or workaround. In some cases, you may need to file your return by mail. - 601ERRV:5, CustHdr_17 - ?:? - Invalid SMS Number. Must be between 10 and 10 digits.

...this pops up when I try to e-file.  What is the fix?  I've already waited 24hrs.

[DawnC · Accepted solution]

There seems to be an issue with e-filing when there is not a US phone number listed in your Intuit Online account.   When you are signed into your account, click on Intuit Account in the bottom left corner.    The error is not from the phone number on your tax return but rather the phone number attached to your Intuit (TurboTax) account.  

Change your phone number to a US number in the Intuit Account of Turbo Tax.   No need to verify this number in the Intuit Account just click exit when you are done. Then go back to your return and continue filing.   Don't use a Google Voice number, a Skype number, or any other non-US or non-verifiable phone number.  Again, you don't have to verify the number but the number needs to be verifiable.  

You may be able to leave the phone number field blank on your Intuit account and e-file your return.  No matter which option you use, make sure to update your account with your correct phone number once your return is e-filed.  

[ramosantos]

After several attempts, this was the solution I needed.  My question is, if using an international number is not going to work, then why have it as an option in the "Personal Info" section?  Also, if I can put any phone number in there, and I don't have to verify it, then that option does not add security to the system.  Customers should be able to use international numbers (in my case a European number) and have those numbers used as their personal verifiable number.

[DawnC]

You can have an international phone number in the ''Personal Info'' section of your actual tax return.  That does not cause and issue.  The issue is with the phone number on your actual TurboTax account.  This is a temporary situation as you are correct, taxpayers should be able to have a verifiable phone number listed for extra security.   

Please note the last sentence of my original response - '' No matter which option you use, make sure to update your account with your correct phone number after your return is e-filed''.   My solution is only a workaround to get your return e-filed.  We don't want anyone having to mail in their tax returns unnecessarily during this pandemic debacle since the IRS is not processing paper-filed tax returns at this time.

Your tax return should reference your correct phone number and as soon as you get the ''your tax return has been accepted'' notice, please update your Intuit account profile to reflect your correct verifiable phone number.   You may need to re-verify the phone number, but this should not cause any issues as long as you are able to e-file your tax return.  This is a temporary issue which should be corrected very soon.   Thank you for the feedback; I am happy to hear that it worked for you and that your taxes are filed - congrats!  

[TSheehy]

Agreed... if you can't verify international numbers, then don't show the 'verify' link. 

And, if a US number is required for e-file, please tell us that. 

And, if a dummy US number 800-515-1212) works temporarily for e-file, please TELL US.  I changed mine, and the e-file finally worked.  Then I changed the number back to my Portugal number.  Not a great customer experience. 

And, if e-file requires (for example) that the Intuit Account Name matches exactly the tax filing name when 'married filing jointly', please TELL US.  I had my account name as my own, although we file under my husband's name.  I got a wild idea to change the account to his name with middle initial and JR suffix, and that MIGHT have been what contributed to the successful e-file.  

The rigamaroll that I've read through with everyone having to reload the software should be a last resort. 

I knew that couldn't work for me since I use the web online version.  

Anyway... thanks to all for the tips.  

[aussie27]

Your transmission didn't go through......

Can confirm that deleting the Intuit Account phone number, then transmitting did work for me as an Australian Expat.  I just re-enterred my local cell number after successful transmission.

[DawnC]

Glad you got your return successfully filed!

There seems to be an issue with e-filing when there is not a US phone number listed in your Intuit Online account.   When you are signed into your account, click on Intuit Account in the bottom left corner.    The error is not from the phone number on your tax return but rather the phone number attached to your Intuit (TurboTax) account.  

Change your phone number to a US number in the Intuit Account of Turbo Tax.   No need to verify this number in the Intuit Account just click exit when you are done. Then go back to your return and continue filing.   Don't use a Google Voice number, a Skype number, or any other non-US or non-verifiable phone number.  Again, you don't have to verify the number but the number needs to be verifiable.  

You may be able to leave the phone number field blank on your Intuit account and e-file your return.  No matter which option you use, make sure to update your account with your correct phone number once your return is e-filed.  

@aussie27

@ramosantos

[Magrips1]

I'm using exactly the same name and FID number as last year for my 1099D's but I'm getting error messages that the ID numbers are wrong.  The only difference is I'm using Mac form vs last year's Windows version.  The new Mac version must be incorrect.

The companies and Involved are:

     Lincoln Natl Corp In #[social security number removed]

     Principal Finl Group Inc #74251V102

    Tri Continental Corp #[social security number removed]

Why would they work last year and not this year? 

[AkinaLO]

This is currently under investigation, and we are working to resolve it, but we don't have any additional information at this point.

@Magrips1

[angeemarie13]

I paid on October 19th but did not complete efile. Trying to complete now and all my info is gone and it is saying I have to redo everything

[Critter-3]

.    E-filing is closed now, so the only way to file your return is by mail.   If your return is completely ready to file, with no changes or more information needed, then pay your fee (unless you already paid), print it, sign it and mail it.

 If you have any changes/corrections at all to make to your 2020 return, you now have to complete it using desktop software, which you must download to a full PC or Mac  (not to a mobile device).Then you need to print, sign and mail it.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2559403-how-do-i-finish-a-prior-year-return-that-i-started-in-turb...

If you already paid for your online software you can ask customer support for a download of the desktop software.

They are available from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time Monday-Friday.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899263-what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number

If you are getting a refund, there is no penalty for filing late.  If you owe tax due, then file and pay the amount due as shown on the Form 1040, but expect a bill later from the IRS for the penalty and interest you will owe.  Only the IRS will calculate this—TurboTax will not calculate it.

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s.  Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses.  Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.