Unable to submit California form 540

[jdub818]

I've already successfully e-filed my Federal and completed the state tax entry, but am unable to find any way to generate the forms to be mailed in.  The only option the program presents is to e-file, or submit later.  I want to generate the California forms but see no way to do this.  In past years, this was always possible.  Please help!

[MonikaK1]

Even though your Federal return has already been e-filed, if you indicate in the File section that you want to file the Federal return by mail, the program should next provide a screen that allows you to choose which returns you want to print and file now, and there you can choose to print and mail the state returns.  

[jdub818]

Thank you.  The print and file section only generated federal forms, and provides no state print option, as with past years. I’m using the Mac desktop version. 

[MonikaK1 · Accepted solution]

If you are using a Mac version, with the tax return open, you can choose File from the top line menu (next to "TurboTax 2024") then Print, and you should see a pop up screen with several options:

At the top you can toggle between "Returns For Your Records", "Returns for Filing", or "Selected Forms". You are provided with options to save to a PDF, or create a Print Preview version. You can choose to print just the return, with schedules, or include all of the worksheets.

The first few pages in the California return package will be the filing instructions, and ES vouchers if you created them. The Form 540 itself is 6 pages long without the schedules and worksheets.

Although you can e-file your federal and state taxes together, if you choose to e-file your federal first, you'll have to wait until that return has been accepted before you can e-file your state. If your federal hasn't been accepted, or you printed and mailed it, you won't be able to e-file your state but you can print and mail a paper return. With your return open, select the State Taxes tab. This will take you to the state section and you can proceed from there.

@jdub818