TurboTax Business VALIDATION ERROR Code 54 so we cannot efile

[Dennis-B]

I also have been having the issue with the California Fiduciary Return (form 541) causing a failure to transmit due to Error Code 54.

Based on the most recent posts (thanks!) I tried it again and it worked!  I have received the confirmation that both the federal and CA state return were filed.

The fix must have been done by Intuit on the server side, because it did not require an update to the Windows TurboTax Business program.

[jcfergus]

I, too, was having the same issue. I just tried it and successfully submitted both Federal and California forms.

I just receive notification from the state that the return was accepted. Whatever was wrong appears to be fixed.

[roundhouse_c]

Yes, it was definitely on the server side and NOT something any of us as the users could fix.  Looks like it was finally fixed sometime in the late afternoon yesterday (PST). 

But it's not right to make the users jump through hoops and spend WAY more time trying to fix it on their end before they address it themselves.  Unless I have no choice next year or they, at least, offer some partial refund, I won't be using this part of the TurbotTax software suite for my returns again.

[user17748886286]

I am getting the same 54 error code and all updates have been done.

[LeticiaF1]

If you already updated your software, try the other troubleshooting ideas:

• 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?

@user17748886286 

[roundhouse_c]

Sorry to hear it's still a problem for some.  It took a while to get an answer before.  I know the fix came from the TT side for many of us.  One thing that probably helped was to have the returns submitted separately on the electronic filing.  First the Federal, then the State return after (or maybe try the other way around if that doesnt' work?).  The problem seemed to be with the state return setup for accepting them electronically.