1040 E-file Guide

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Overview of E-file

• Overview
  • Advantages to E-file
  • E-file Background
  • E-file System Capabilities
  • States Supported for E-file
  • Additional Publications to Use
• Requirements and Authorization
  • E-file Identification Number
  • Authorization to Participate in E-file Program
• E-filing Returns
  • Steps to E-file Returns

Setting E-file Tax Defaults

• Setting General Tax E-file Defaults
• Setting 1040 E-file Defaults
• Setting State E-file Tax Defaults

E-file Mandate

• E-file Mandate
• Preparer Explanation for Not E-filing
• E-file Mandate FAQs

Elections

• General Guidelines
• Examples of Election Formats
• Using the Application
  • Predefined Elections
  • Account-defined Elections
  • Preparer-defined Elections

Using the E-file Spreadsheet

• The E-file Spreadsheet
• Return Tab
• Extension Tab
• Estimates Tab

Preparing the E-filed Return

• E-filing Returns
• Enabling E-file
• Selecting Signature Options
  • PIN Procedures
  • Entering PIN Information
• Reviewing XML/Binary Attachments
  • PDF Attachments
  • Selecting Binary Attachments for the E-file
  • Selecting Form 8453 Attachments
  • Entering Form 2120 Multiple Support
• Selecting General Dependencies
  • Medium General Dependencies
  • Selecting Form 4562 Dependencies
  • Selecting Form 4684 Dependencies
  • Selecting Form 8959 Dependencies
  • Selecting Form 8960 Dependencies
• Reviewing Additional Information
  • Forms Included in the E-file
  • Entering Special Conditions
  • Selecting the Imperfect Return Election
  • Reviewing the Tax Refund or Due Summary
  • Entering Information for E-file Opt Out
    • Preparer Explanation
    • Taxpayer Statement
• Reviewing E-file Diagnostics
  • Validations
  • Error Checking
  • Reviewing Reject and Alert Diagnostics
  • Reviewing XML Validation Errors
• Creating the E-file for the Return
  • Reviewing with the E-file Viewer
  • Sending Returns and Checking Status for E-File
  • E-file Statuses
• Deleting or Suspending an E-file
  • Deleting an E-file
  • Suspending an E-file

Preparing the Paper Return

• Portion Filed with the IRS
• Client Portion of Return

Sending Qualified Returns to the IRS

• Creating E-file Batches
• Viewing Statuses and Acknowledgment Information
• Viewing Reject Notices
• Viewing Conditional Acceptance Notices
• Viewing History of E-file Submissions
• Reviewing the E-file
  • Downloading the XML File
  • Reviewing with the E-file Viewer
• Transmissions and Acknowledgments
  • Transmissions
  • Acknowledgments

E-filing 1040 Extensions

• E-filing Extensions
  • List of Accepted Forms
  • Steps to E-filing Extensions
  • Preparing the Electronic Part of the Extension
• Enabling E-file
• Selecting Signature Options
• Reviewing Forms included in E-file
• Reviewing E-file Diagnostics
  • Validating the Extension E-file
• Creating/Deleting the E-file for the Extension
  • Creating the E-file
  • Deleting the E-file
• Sending Extensions to the IRS
  • Preparing the Paper Part of the Return
  • Sending Qualified Extensions to the IRS
• Viewing Statuses and Acknowledgment Information
• Viewing Rejection Notices

Aggregating Third Party XML Files

• 1040 E-file: Aggregating XML Files

• 1040 E-file: Aggregating International Forms from Returns Created with Third Party Software

• 1040 E-file: Completing the Aggregated Return

Appendices

• Appendix A: Accepted Forms and Schedules
  • Forms and Schedules for E-file
  • Exclusions from E-file
• Appendix B: E-file Terminology
• Appendix C: PIN Information
  • Practitioner PIN
    • Taxpayer Eligibility Requirements for the Practitioner PIN Method
  • Self-Select PIN
    • Taxpayers Eligible for Self-Select PIN
    • Taxpayers Not Eligible for Self-Select PIN
    • Using the Self-Select PIN
    • Married Filing Joint Taxpayers
    • Special Circumstances
  • Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN)
    • Using the IP PIN (for Taxpayers)
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Tips for Next Year
    • Using the IP Pin (for Tax Preparers)
    • Understanding the IRS Letter
• Appendix D: Attachments
  • XML Files
  • PDF Files
    • Steps for Attaching PDF Files
    • Meaningful Titles
    • Options Available for PDF Attachments
    • Forms and Jurisdictions Allowing PDF Attachments
• Appendix D-1: Recommended Names for PDF Files Attached to 1040 E-file Submissions
• Appendix E: State E-file
  • Supported States
  • Introduction to the State E-file Program
  • Attaching the Federal Return
    • Federal Return Information Included in State Submission
    • PDF Attachments
  • Overview of State E-file
    • Components of the State Submission
    • Taxing Authority’s Workflow for E-file
    • Additional Considerations for E-file
  • How to E-file
  • Linked vs. Unlinked Filing
    • Linked Submission
    • Unlinked Submission
  • Linked vs. Unlinked Submission
    • Creating a Linked Submission
    • Creating an Unlinked Submission
• Appendix F: E-filing Amended Returns
  • Amended Returns Supported for E-file
  • Processing an Amended State Return for E-file
    • Locating the Original Return
    • Copying the Original Locator into a New Locator
    • Completing the Amended Return
• Appendix G: FAQs
• Appendix H: Tips for Troubleshooting E-file Rejections

 

 

 

E-file/toc_1040_ef_guide.htm/TY2020

Last Modified: 12/15/2020

Last System Build: 09/13/2021

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