Why does the status of my state return show as Started when I already filed it a month ago?

If your state return still shows as "Started," and federal return has already been accepted by the IRS, you just need to go back in and re-submit only that state return. This can happen if some of your state forms were not finalized when you tried to e-file your state at the same time as e-filing your Federal return. You can only e-file your state return once all the forms have been finalized and your federal return is accepted. 

 

You can use the instructions below to help you go back in and re-submit the state return only. There should be the option to checkbox near state only. Uncheck federal if it's checked. 

 

TurboTax Online Detailed Instructions:

• Login to your TurboTax account.
• Select Show on your Tax Home screen next to Your tax returns and documents.
• Make sure the current tax year is highlighted, then select Add a state.
• Select the State Taxes tab to the left
• Select Continue to start or complete your state taxes.
• Select Done with State.
• Continue through the flow to review and file your state taxes.

TurboTax CD/Download Detailed Instructions:

• Open your return.
• Click on State Taxes tab.
• Follow on-screen prompts and continue through the flow to review and file your state taxes.

NOTE: If you e-filed your federal return as Married Filing Jointly but want to file your state returns as Married Filing Separately, only one state return can be e-filed. The other will have to be paper-filed.

Thanks for sharing! This was really helpful.