I just completed my federal and Illinois state tax returns with TurboTax.I e-filed my federal return and provided bank account information so my refund would be direct deposited. On the PDF version, I see that information reflected. Good.I chose to paper file for my Illinois tax return. TurboTax never asked me whether I want a paper check or direct deposit for my state refund. When I printed my state return, I see TurboTax went ahead and selected the paper check option, although the state form clearly has a checkbox option for direct deposit with the corresponding routing/account number fields. I tried finding a way to change the selection through TurboTax, even via the "form view", but with no success.Before mailing my printed state form, can I "white out" the checkbox indicating I want a paper check, and then manually check off the direct deposit checkbox and write in my direct deposit numbers with a pen - or can I actually only receive a paper check once I choose to USPS mail my state return?

TurboTax

File with experts
File your taxes
Experts at your fingertips

An expert helps with your taxes, or does them for you
TurboTax Expert Full Service

TurboTax Expert Assist

TurboTax Self-Employed
Prior year taxes
File myself
File myself
Do it yourself

We'll guide you step-by-step
TurboTax Do It Yourself

TurboTax Self-Employed

TurboTax Desktop
TurboTax Free

Activate your product

Prior year taxes
Business
Business
Business taxes

Get your T2 corporate return done right, your way
TurboTax Business

TurboTax Business Desktop
Tax situations
Tax situations
Tax situations

Find extra guidance for your big life moves
For investors

For 25 and younger

For self-employed

For new to Canada

For life changes
Resources
Resources
Resources

Explore tax tools, get tips, and read reviews
Personal income tax calculator

RRSP savings calculator

Learning hub

TurboTax support (FAQ)

TurboTax community
Pricing

Eli923

Level 4

Question

State return: paper check option selected for me

Forum|Forum|3 years ago
February 22, 2023
1 reply
0 views

I just completed my federal and Illinois state tax returns with TurboTax.

I e-filed my federal return and provided bank account information so my refund would be direct deposited. On the PDF version, I see that information reflected. Good.
I chose to paper file for my Illinois tax return. TurboTax never asked me whether I want a paper check or direct deposit for my state refund. When I printed my state return, I see TurboTax went ahead and selected the paper check option, although the state form clearly has a checkbox option for direct deposit with the corresponding routing/account number fields. I tried finding a way to change the selection through TurboTax, even via the "form view", but with no success.

Before mailing my printed state form, can I "white out" the checkbox indicating I want a paper check, and then manually check off the direct deposit checkbox and write in my direct deposit numbers with a pen - or can I actually only receive a paper check once I choose to USPS mail my state return?

CatinaT1

Level 15

Yes. If you are filing by paper, you can certainly do this. Be sure to sign your return as well.

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post. **Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"

Eli923Author

Level 4

Thank you, will do!

So my remaining question is why does TurboTax automatically select "paper check" for me without asking me - then blocks me from changing it through the program - so that I need to resort to white-out and pen? Call me cynical, but I feel like TurboTax is trying to somehow "bundle" e-filing one's state return (for which they charge) with the convenience of getting one's refund via direct deposit (for which the states do not charge)...