Unable to Efile due to Form 8888

[waynecoo]

Hello - I am trying to amend 2022 taxes via turbotax (a small 1099 unexpectedly came in).  I went thru the steps of Amending the Return and saw the additional amounts due. 

I try to e-file, however, I receive (a) error messages on Form 8888 to note how much in Ibonds to purchase (which doesn't make sense since I owe money).  After entering "0", and trying to transmit, I get (b) error messages that these fields must be blank.  Change it again, goes back to (a).  Never ending loop that won't allow me to transmit.  Is there a way to bypass this? Did I enter something incorrectly?  This is very odd.

Thank you!

[MichelleLO · Accepted solution]

You can delete Form 8888 to resolve the issue. Please see the below TurboTax Help Article for instructions.

How do I delete a tax form in the TurboTax CD/Download software?

[waynecoo]

Thank you!  Also, I realized that when I tried to e-file federal amended returns, it automatically created Form 8888, which recreated the problem.  Solution was to print out and mail amended federal return, and efile state.  Appreciate the help!

[teds1]

I am having the same issue. I delete Form 8888 before beginning the eFile process. However, the form must somehow regenerate because once I begin the eFile process I am again informed that I should not submit the form with my return. (In my case, I am filing an amended return for a deceased person.)  Also, there is no refund due. I owe. Any other thoughts on how to get this form out of the way? Thank you.

[waynecoo]

Did you try to delete the form again, and only do e-file for state?  That worked for me, and I'm mailing in paper 1040X

[CarissaM]

Were you able to get this to work after deleting the form a second time? @teds1 

[teds1]

I have not yet tried what you suggest. I'd prefer to eFile if it is possible. 

[teds1]

I have deleted the form numerous times. However, every time I then go to eFile, I get as far as the "transmitting return" and it bombs out saying it needs more information. It then directs me back to the fact that I shouldn't be using Form 8888 for a deceased person's return. I've deleted Form 8888 and resaved the file, renamed the file, tried to alter the contents of Form 8888 while in "Forms" mode, but so far nothing has worked. When I originally filed, I was due a refund. With the amendment, my return (which I have received) was reduced, so I owe a small amount. Any suggestions are welcome.

[CarissaM]

Can you try from a different browser than you are currently using? Please let us know if anything different happens. @teds1 

[rahfam1]

I use Turbotax Deluxe for Windows.  I'm having this problem and the amended return is for a couple where the husband has died.  I can remove form 8888 and file by paper but it takes over a year for the IRS to process a paper amended return.  Any news on if this bug can be fixed so that I can e-file and get the $500 refund quicker?

[picklelady]

I am having the same problem trying to file an Amended Return with a deceased spouse.  I am not getting a refund but Form 8888 is automatically generated - no matter how many times I delete it.  I'll have to mail a paper return - this should be fixed!

[JulieS]

Yes, you will need to delete Form 8888 from your amendment to get it e-filed. Form 8888 can't be used in an amended return. 

If you are using TurboTax Online:
 

1. Open your return and  scroll down to Tax Tools on the bottom of the left side menu.
2. Select Tools.
3. Click on Delete a form (third on the list at the bottom of the screen).
4. Find Form 8888 on the list of forms.
5. Click Delete to the right.
6. Confirm your Delete.
7. Click Continue with my return.

If you are using the Desktop version (from a disc or download):

1. Click Forms toward the upper right corner. 
2. Find Form 8888 on the list on the left.
3. Highlight it, then click Delete in the lower left corner of the reading pane.
4. Click on Step by Step in the upper right corner to return to the interview.

@rahfam1 @picklelady 

[rahfam1]

As was noted before, Turbotax recreates form 8888 even if you delete it.  it will take you through the e-filing process and then point out that you can't file the return with the Form 8888 which it has just created again.  It's a bug that needs to be fixed.  I'm sure the IRS would like to eliminate paper filing of amended returns as much as it can.  There's a huge backlog processing them.

[MoniqueLO_]

Please feel free to contact Customer Support so you can speak with someone who can assist you.

@rahfam1 
 

[rahfam1]

I spoke to customer support.  We spent 1.5 hours trying different options and still could not get Turbotax to stop creating a Form 8888 for my amended return.  They transferred me to a tax specialist who told me to swap the primary and secondary taxpayers (the primary had passed away last year), and swap the data entered for anything specific to each taxpayer, i.e. the 1099R forms.  I did all that and it created an error because the taxpayer IDs can't be changed on an amended return from what was submitted on the original e-filed return.  It looks like I'm forced to paper mail the return.