Filing & Forms

TurboTax State Return Not E-filing

If your state return won't e-file in TurboTax, it's often because the federal return must go first, the program needs updating, or your state has specific e-file rules. Working through those usually gets the state return transmitted.

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Symptoms

•The state return won't transmit even though the federal one did.
•The e-file button for state is grayed out or unavailable.
•You get an error specific to the state filing step.

What causes it

▸The federal return hasn't been e-filed or accepted yet.
▸TurboTax isn't fully updated with the latest state forms.
▸Your state doesn't support e-file for your specific situation or form.
▸An incomplete state section is blocking submission.

How to fix it

1File or confirm the federal return first

Most states require the federal return to be e-filed first or at the same time.
E-file your federal return and wait for it to be accepted if required.
Then return to the state section and submit it.

2Update TurboTax

Open the Online menu and choose Check for Updates.
Install any state form updates that appear.
Restart TurboTax and try the state e-file again.

3Check your state's e-file rules

Review whether your state supports e-file for your form or situation.
Complete any required state-specific screens you may have skipped.
If your state can't be e-filed, print the state return and mail it instead.

Still stuck?

If your state return still won't e-file after updating and filing federal first, your state may have a restriction for your particular forms. Official TurboTax support at ttlc.intuit.com can confirm what your state allows, and you can ask here about printing and mailing the state return if e-file isn't an option.

Official TurboTax support Ask us a question

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to e-file federal before state?＋

Most of the time, yes. Many states require the federal return to be filed first or together, so try filing federal before attempting the state return.

Is there an extra fee to e-file a state return?＋

With desktop products there's often a per-state e-file fee, while online products may include it. Prices are approximate and change, so confirm current pricing on the official site.

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