TurboTax Business VALIDATION ERROR Code 54 so we cannot efile

[jessewsmith]

Has anyone found a fix to this?  I am getting the same error message when trying to transmit and I"ve done the updates.

[CatinaT1]

Please refer to this community thread. 

[akajimsterjt]

Sill not corrected.  I deleted 8453 FE and added back same form with new file and still didn't work.

[rmess]

Funny, I did the opposite - I unchecked the State e-file and my Fed return went through. When I then tried just the State return, same error came up. Guess I'm gonna print out the state and mail it in.

[SoCalGal40]

Did this ever work for you? I am in CA and trying to file a 1041. I tried every step mentioned in the comments here and on Gemini AI. I finally e-filed my Federal only (it worked). I still get the dreaded Code 54 error on e-filing the CA 1041. I spent 1.5 hours with Tier 1 support (no help) and 30 minutes with a "supervisor" (really no help). Intuit needs to fix this problem (and train its support people better).

[SoCalGal40]

I was able to e-File my federal 1041 (by unchecking the state e-file). I am not able to e-file the CA state 1041. Still get the same error 54. Have tried EVERYTHING.

[SoCalGal40]

IRS lost one of my paper returns. So I will only e-File. Looks like I'll need to look for different SW next year for my 1041s. The software fails at its most basic requirement - prepare tax return and e-file it. It is March 14 and the software still is not fixed. 

[SoCalGal40]

The problem still exists! Come on Intuit - time to fix this for good!

[SoCalGal40]

The problem is not fixed! I have spent hours trying to resolve. Have done all steps mentioned in this post. Finally at Gemini's suggestion, I e-filed my Federal 1041s only. I still get the error with the California state 1041s.

Intuit needs to fix this!

[SoCalGal40]

I did the same (at the suggestion of Gemini), unchecking the state e-file and e-filing the federal. Now only have the 1041 CA error 54. Intuit needs to fix this. I do not want to have to paper file my 1041s unless Intuit wants to reimburse me for my e-File fee and cost of certified mail return receipt requested.

Intuit please fix this! It is March 14. This "tax software" should be working.

[quattrocoupe]

It workrd for me after an update back in February. Sorry to hear the program is still causing issues. Seems this is an annual issue from what I can tell.

[btehrani93]

I've got the exact same issue. Just got off the phone with customer support, no help.

This is ridiculous. 

[SoCalGal40]

I have been using TurboTax Business for 9 years. Luckily this is the first time I've had this issue, but because it is so bad, I will likely choose a different solution next year. The frustration factor is not worth it! Nor the money - I paid $25 to e-file state returns and cannot e-file.

[LeticiaF1]

This error is generally because your software is not updated.  First try correcting this by:

• Update your Software:
  •  Select Check for Updates in the Online menu
• Run as Administrator: 
  • Right-click the TurboTax icon
  • Choose Properties
  • Go to the Compatibility tab
  • Select Run this program as an administrator
• Check System Time:
  •  Ensure your computer's date and time are accurate, as discrepancies can cause secure handshake failures with the IRS.
• Clear Cache: 
  • For business products, try clearing the "Electronic Filing" cache
• Firewall/VPN:
  •  Temporarily disable VPNs or antivirus software during the update and filing process. 

If the error continues, you can print your return and mail it.  How do I file my return by mail?

How do I contact TurboTax?

@SoCalGal40

[user17735890360]

I just tried that.  Still unable to file CA trust state return.  Was able to file federal returns yesterday once I unclicked state.  This is ridiculous