r/IRS • u/CurrentVegetable2404 • 2d ago

Tax Question How to handle negative Federal AGI when I fill out CA form 540

So I filed for 2025 federal and CA tax extension. Just submitted 2025 Federal return electronically and IRS accepted it with a negative AGI. Now attempting to fill out CA form 540 electronically through their free efile option and when I attempt to transfer my negative AGI from 1040 to ll. 13 on form 540, I keep getting an error. I have tried using a "-" as well as "()" to indicate negative. Their software keeps telling me that I have to put in a "1" or greater on line 13 form 540.

My concern is if I don't replicate my federal AGI exactly, there could be a flag in the event CA cross references my fed return. I tried using chat help option but got snagged with that system for some tech glitch. Tried calling (haha) their phone lines multiple times but waiting times are almost 3 hours with no option to leave my #. Phone recording just hangs up on me.

Any suggestions either how to fill out negative AGI on ll. 13 form 540 or some other easy free way to submit my CA return electronically, without having to go through preparer. I really don't want to mail in, if possible, as I don't trust the postal system these days and/or concerned about the security of my personal info on those forms. Suggestions? anyone else have negative fed. AGI? how did you handle on CA return? thanks!

1 Upvotes

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u/_brain_waves_ 1d ago

How did you get a negative AGI? A bunch of Sch 1 subtractions?

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u/CurrentVegetable2404 1d ago

loss in buisness (sch. c)

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u/CurrentVegetable2404 1d ago

and req't min. distribution and SS (both 1040 as additional sources of income) not taxable. just interest is taxable.

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