TurboTax Business VALIDATION ERROR Code 54 so we cannot efile

[CatinaT1]

Here are several troubleshooting steps that you can try:

• Make sure your Windows Software is up to date.
• If you are using a downloaded version, uninstall and reinstall the program from your MyDownloads folder.  How do I find my TurboTax for Windows software download?
• If that doesn't help, try a manual update. What is a manual update?
• Turning off your VPN and anti-virus software during the update can help as well.

[quattrocoupe]

Hello Catina,

Thank you for your suggestions. These are the same suggestions many have received and tried.  However as you can tell by reading this thread nothing is working

We need the Intuit programmers to dig into this and get this resolved

Kind regards

[drumskibird]

- Windows  software up to date - I purchased this computer less than a month ago.

- Removed downloaded TTax software from Downloads folder, then uninstalled the program.  Downloaded it from TTax again and installed it again.  Somehow, it is able to find my completed tax return even after I uninstalled the program.  This is convenient, but is it preventing the update by having all the data stored somewhere?

- Manual update (perrel superpatch) downloaded, but when it runs, it says TTax is not installed on my computer.  I am running TTax Business - is this the correct patch?

- I don't have a VPN, and have not installed any antivirus software.

I think I have now spent more time trying to troubleshoot this issue than it took me to complete my tax return in the first place!  Ugh.......  I would prefer to efile than print and mail - please fix this!

[user17701604545]

Got the same message and the program is up to date.  If I remember this problem happened last year or the year before.  It took forever for Turbo Tax to come up with a solution.   

[drumskibird]

Is it possible that the problem could be a lack of a signature on Form 8453, which allows the efile?  I only ask this because when I click on Preview Tax Returns, it shows 8453 without a signature, even though the signature shows up as one of the Attachments in the Tools menu.  However, my state 8453 also shows up as blank in the preview, and TTax never asked me to sign that form.

[hsrt]

Still not working despite a combination of restarting, install/uninstalling, updating, manual updating which took many days and hours. Still faced Validation Error Code 54. 

Not worth the effort with many hours wasted just on this one return with many more to go. Will evaluate whether to use TurboTax Business again for next year. Very disappointed.

Going paper file instead. 

[quattrocoupe]

After much more research, I am wondering if Error 54 has to do with fed form 8453-FE.  On the TurboTax form availability site, it mentions  form (8453-FE(E) ) is unsupported for E-Filing.  While the form I have is just 8453-FE without the additional (E), and worked no problem last year, perhaps the underlying programming code is incorrect or filing rules changed.

https://care-cdn.prodsupportsite.a.intuit.com/forms-availability/turbotaxbusiness_fed_windows_fiduci...

@catina can you clarify?

[quattrocoupe]

@CatinaT1  please see above post regarding fed form 8453-FE. Thank you

[user17700860538]

Please note that several users have already tried all of these steps.  INTUIT needs to get the software updated to fix this glitch.  Thank you from a very frustrated TurboTax Business desktop user.

[user17700860538 · Accepted solution]

THANK YOU fellow users!!!  Based on the comments/inquiries regarding Form 8453-FE potentially being the problem, I removed the Form 8453-FE and reattached (following the instructions for changing the form even though I reattached the same form with no changes).  I'm happy to report that the Trust return has been successfully transmitted and is awaiting IRS acceptance.  "No news is good news"....if you don't see another post from me it was also accepted.  THANKS AGAIN to my fellow users who looked for new solutions and didn't just keep repeating the same steps that were NOT working.

[cdeneefe]

Removing the 8453-FE and reattaching worked today for me also.  Please note that I did try this multiple times over the past few days, and it didn't work....so....your mileage may vary.  I would say if you had previously tried it without success, give it a shot now.  Thanks to those who provided this solution...and I'm glad to have this filing out of the way!

[crew747]

Yep, this worked for me too. Thanks for the info.

[user17701604545]

I reattached form 8453FE and the return was able to be electronically filed.  

[Cannoneer7724]

Great intuition and problem solving!

Worked for me!!!

[quattrocoupe]

I was able to submit today. I did not have to remove/reattach form 8453. Thank you Intuit for correcting things!