Why can't I efile my fed taxes, when I could last year, with no changes in type of income or deductions?

[MoniqueLO_]

Can you please provide more information so we can assist you? Are you receiving an error message?

@garysp54-yahoo-c 

[garysp54-yahoo-c]

The message I got when I finished entering all my information and proceeded to file was "you need to file by mail, because you showed no income on your federal return" but I showed all the income that was stated on my SSA-1099. I had no trouble filing last year, using this service and putting in similar sources of income, residence, retirement, etc.

[JulieS]

Yes, the tax laws affecting your tax return have changed this year. You are getting this message because you have no taxable income on your return.

During the pandemic, you were able to use non-taxable income like Social Security and VA benefits to claim certain tax credits like Earned Income Credit and Child Tax Credit. These changes were temporary and not renewed by Congress for 2022.

In 2022, we return to the pre-pandemic rules for these credits. The credits are smaller and you must have earned income from working to claim them. 

[garysp54-yahoo-c]

I didn't try to claim any refund, but if I don't file a federal tax form, even for zero return, I can't submit my state form electronically. I have not had any federal income besides SS for the last 8+ years and have been able to file even with zero refund. How has it changed now?

[JulieS]

Yes, you can e-file your return. Since many people are in the same situation, the IRS has provided the following guidance:

In addition to all the other information required to be entered on Form 1040, a zero AGI filer must enter the following:

• $1 as taxable interest on line 2b;
• $1 as total income on line 9; and
• $1 as AGI on line 11

To do that in TurboTax:

1. Select Federal on the left side menu.
2. Select Wages and Income.
3. Scroll down, or expand the list and find Interest and Dividends.
4. Expand that section and find Interest on 1099-INT.
5. Click on Start to the right.
6. Answer the first question Yes.
7. Click Continue.
8. Click on Change how I enter my form in the lower right corner.
9. Select Type it in myself.
10. Fill in the first box with your banks name or "Interest".
11. Put 1 in box 1
12. Click Continue.
13. Select None of these apply, and click Continue.
14. Select Federal Review in the upper right corner.

At this point you should be able to e-file your federal and state returns.