E-file state without federal

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
March 23, 2025
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I e-filed my federal return a few weeks ago with TurboTax On-Line; now I want to file my state return with the Desktop version. However, the Desktop version says I can't file the state without e-filing the federal ... I went to File > Electronic Filing > Check Electronic Filing Status and it says it was accepted, but it still won't let me e-file the state.

(The on-line version wants $59 to activate the state; I bought the download version to help my daughter, and the download version lets you file 3 (?) state returns.)

Best answer by VolvoGirl

No, I e-filed with TurboTax online. I had downloaded the .tax file when I was about 99% done with federal, started playing around with the Desktop version, but then went back and e-filed using the on-line version.

(Yes, I know I made my life complicated. I have been using TT Online for a few years, but this year, I'm helping my daughter and my mom, and the Desktop version lets you file 5 federal returns whereas the online version wants each person to pay separately.)

Ok. Then download the newest Online .tax2024 file and open it in the Desktop program. See what that does about state.

xmasbaby0

Employee

You have kind of a confused mess. You cannot "mix and match" using online and desktop software. You cannot e-file a state return unless you have e-filed a federal return. And you did indeed e-file federal but you used online software. Now you are trying to use desktop software to prepare a state return. The only way you might be able to make that work for you is to prepare a federal return AGAIN------make it match the one one you already filed-----then prepare the state. You will have to file by mail. You will not mail the federal one since you already e-filed it, but you can mail the state that you prepared using desktop. Your desktop software will have no way to recognize that you e-filed federal online, so you will not be able to e-file state.

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

gjcoramAuthor

"Your desktop software will have no way to recognize that you e-filed federal online" --- well, it does, though, because the Desktop software File menu has that option I mentioned, where it checked my filing status and found it had been accepted.

xmasbaby0

Employee

Your desktop software does not have any of the information from the federal return you prepared online even if it is showing that you e-filed. The only way you are going to get information into a state return using that desktop software is to prepare a federal return that matches the one you already filed so that the information flows from the federal to the state return. There is a way to switch from online to desktop but I am not sure if it will allow you to do that AFTER you already e-filed.

I doubt that you will be able to e-file the state return----but see what it will let you do once you get the state prepared. Worst case---you save the $25 state e-file fee and pay for a stamp to mail the state.