State return: paper check option selected for me

[Eli923]

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]

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

[Eli923]

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)...