Getting "transmission didn't go through" error on TurboTax - help!!

So I've been trying to e-file using TurboTax for the last 3 hours and keep getting this frustrating error message saying "Your transmission didn't go through." I've checked my internet connection, restarted my computer, cleared my cache, and even tried using a different browser but nothing seems to be working! I'm seriously starting to panic because the filing deadline is coming up fast and I need to get this submitted. Has anyone else experienced this error when trying to e-file through TurboTax? Any suggestions on how to fix it? I've already double-checked all my information and everything seems correct. Would calling TurboTax support help or should I just give up and mail in a paper return at this point?

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20 comments

Kelsey Hawkins

•8M

This is a fairly common error with TurboTax, especially during peak filing times when their servers get overloaded. I've seen this happen quite a bit, and there are a few things you can try: 1. Wait a few hours and try again. Sometimes the TurboTax servers are just temporarily overwhelmed. 2. Save your return, completely exit the program (not just minimize), restart your computer, and try again. 3. Make sure you don't have any browser extensions or security software blocking the transmission. 4. Try using the TurboTax desktop version instead of the online version if that's what you're using (or vice versa). 5. Check with your internet provider to make sure there aren't any service interruptions in your area. If none of these work, you can definitely call TurboTax support. They can usually help troubleshoot transmission issues. Their support gets busy this time of year, but they can often resolve these problems remotely. I wouldn't resort to paper filing just yet!

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Kelsey Hawkins

•8M

In my experience, the desktop version can be more reliable during peak filing periods since it doesn't depend entirely on their web servers for every action. The desktop version still needs to connect to submit your return, but it tends to handle the connection process a bit better. If you're really concerned about the deadline, remember you can also file for an extension using Form 4868, which gives you until October to file the actual return. You'd still need to pay any estimated taxes owed by the regular deadline, but at least you wouldn't face the late filing penalty.

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Dylan Fisher

•8M

I had this exact same issue last year and wasted days trying to fix it myself. Finally discovered taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) and it was a total game changer. They have this really helpful diagnostic tool that scans your tax file for transmission errors and helps fix the formatting issues that TurboTax doesn't tell you about. I uploaded my return file and it identified that one of my W-2 entries had a formatting issue that was causing the transmission to fail. Their system fixed it and I was able to submit successfully after that. They also have expert support who can look at specific error codes if the automatic scan doesn't catch everything.

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Dylan Fisher

•8M

You don't need to give them your TurboTax login at all. You can export your tax return as a PDF from TurboTax (there's an option under the File menu) and upload just that file. They use bank-level encryption and don't store your documents after processing. Yes, it absolutely works with state returns too! They handle all 50 states plus DC tax returns. I've used it for both federal and state when I had issues. The system can identify state-specific formatting problems that often cause these transmission errors.

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Edwards Hugo

•8M

Just wanted to update everyone - I tried taxr.ai after seeing the recommendation here and it actually worked! My transmission kept failing because apparently there was some weird formatting issue with one of my 1099 forms that TurboTax couldn't handle properly. Their system identified the problem in like 2 minutes and showed me exactly what needed to be fixed. I made the adjustment in TurboTax and my return went through on the first try after that. Saved me from having to file by mail which would have delayed my refund by weeks. Definitely recommend if you're stuck with these transmission errors!

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Alfredo Lugo

•8M

If you've tried everything and TurboTax support isn't helping, I'd recommend Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). They specialize in getting you through to a real human at the IRS fast, which normally takes hours of waiting. Check out their demo: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I used them when I had transmission issues with both TurboTax and H&R Block. The IRS agent was able to check if my return was actually received despite the error message (turns out it WAS received even though TurboTax said it failed) and gave me confirmation that everything was fine. Saved me from filing twice and potentially creating a bigger mess.

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Alfredo Lugo

•8M

It works by holding your place in line with the IRS and then calling you when they're about to connect you. Their system navigates all the IRS phone menus and waits on hold so you don't have to. When they're about to connect with an agent, they call your phone and connect you directly. I was skeptical too before trying it. I spent literally 3 hours on hold with the IRS before giving up. With Claimyr I got through to an actual IRS agent in about 75 minutes without having to sit there listening to hold music. They just called me when they were about to connect with someone. The IRS doesn't prioritize their calls or anything - they just handle the waiting part for you.

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Kaitlyn Jenkins

•8M

OK I need to eat my words and apologize to Profile 9. I was so frustrated after dealing with TurboTax errors and IRS hold times that I lashed out. I actually tried Claimyr out of desperation and I'm shocked to say it worked exactly as described. I got a call back in about 90 minutes and was connected to an actual IRS agent who confirmed that despite TurboTax's error message, my return had actually been received and accepted on their end. Turns out it was a display error in TurboTax's system, not an actual transmission failure. Saved me from accidentally filing twice and causing a huge headache. Sometimes being wrong feels pretty good!

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Caleb Bell

•8M

Sorry to hear it's not showing up in their system. Definitely worth a try though! Since it's confirmed your return isn't in their system, I'd suggest trying to file during off-peak hours - like very early morning (5-6am) or late night when the servers are less busy. That's worked for me in the past with stubborn transmission issues. If that doesn't work, you might consider trying a different tax filing software as a last resort. You can usually import your PDF from TurboTax into most other major tax programs like H&R Block or TaxAct.

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Omar Fawaz

•5M

I had this exact same issue last year and it was driving me absolutely crazy! What finally worked for me was clearing ALL my browser data (not just cache - cookies, stored passwords, everything) and then logging back into TurboTax fresh. Also make sure you're not using any ad blockers or privacy extensions that might be interfering with the secure transmission. TurboTax uses some pretty strict security protocols that can conflict with certain browser extensions. If you're still stuck, try accessing TurboTax from a completely different device if you have one available - sometimes there are weird local computer issues that cause these transmission problems. Don't give up on e-filing yet! The paper route really will delay your refund significantly.

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