Appendix G - FAQs

Acknowledgment

How do I print an e-file acknowledgment with the return?

All acknowledgment information, such as the date of acceptance and the Submission ID, is printed on all e-filed returns on Form 9325.

Amended Returns

Can Form 1040X amended returns be e-filed?

The IRS currently does not allow e-file for Form 1040X amended returns.

Attachments

How do I add a PDF attachment?

Go to Edit > Insert > Efile Attachments.
Click the Add button at the bottom of the window.
Select the Jurisdiction for the PDF attachment (Federal or a State).
Browse to the PDF attachment, and double-click.
On the next window, select either an IRS-predefined description or a User-defined description.
Click the Finish button at the bottom of the window.
The PDF attachment is now listed in the Electronic Filing Attachments window. Close this window.
Do a full re-compute.
Go to Organizer > E-file > Enable/Create.
Click the Create Return E-file button again so that the e-files are updated for the addition of the PDF attachment.

How do I remove a PDF attachment?

Go to Edit > Insert > Efile Attachments.
Highlight the PDF attachment to be removed.
Click the Delete button at the bottom of the window.
Do a full re-compute.
The PDF attachment is now removed from the Electronic Filing Attachments window. Close this window
Go to Organizer > E-file > Enable/Create.
Click the Create Return E-file button again so that the e-files are updated for the deletion of the PDF attachment.

Will any free form text be allowed?

Yes. The IRS will allow an XML attachment called the General Explanation Statement. The IRS currently allows ten (10) of these statements. For each statement, we have provided a text area that allows approximately ten (10) pages of data entry (approximately 100,000 characters).

How much text space is available for each question?

Descriptions throughout the return are generally unlimited in length (some exceptions apply).

Can we attach Word documents or cut/paste text into the tax return?

You may cut and paste into our free form text boxes (General Explanation Statement); however, the formatting will be stripped during the creation of the XML file.

Can we attach a PDF from any PDF-generating program?

Yes. However, the file name is limited to 23 characters.

Balance Due Returns

How should taxpayers submit payment on balance due returns?

If a balance is due, taxpayers are not required to submit payment until the statutory April filing date. Taxpayers can remit payment in one of two ways:

Mail Form 1040-V to submit their payment to the IRS.
Use the Electronic Debit option by entering account information and a date on or before April 15, 2021.

If a balance is due the IRS, taxpayers are not required to submit payment until April 15, 2021. Taxpayers should mail Form 1040-V by April 15, 2021 to submit payment to the IRS. Form 1040-V is automatically generated and printed for returns with tax due. If the ACH debit is used and the return is sent successfully, the 1040-V does not have to be sent in to the IRS. The IRS debits the account on the date indicated.

Data Entry

Will some data entry be required of all users?

Due to IRS requirements, address fields that were previously rolled from one year to the next via proforma will need to be entered in a new field. For example, several fields exists with the City, State, Zip in a single field. You will need to re- enter this information in three separate fields.

Disqualifying Returns

How do I delete or disqualify a federal or state e-file after the e-file has already been created?

Follow the steps below. For states, do these before you deactivate a state from a return:

Go to Organizer > E-file > Enable/Create > Return tab.
Make sure that the Enable E-file box is checked.
Scroll over to Column M for Delete E-File, and click Delete on the same line to delete the electronic file.
Uncheck the Enable E-file box.
If a federal e-file was deleted, click the Create Return E-File button again for states to prevent the reject error that the federal e-file was not found.

Dual Status Returns

Can Estates and Trust using Form 1040NR be e-filed?

The IRS currently does not allow e-file for Estates and Trusts on Form 1040NR.

Can Form 1040NR dual status returns be e-filed?

The IRS currently does not allow e-file for Form 1040NR dual status returns.

Extensions

How do we attach the extension, or is it automatic?

Extensions cannot be attached to the 1040 return in e-file. If an extension was previously e-filed or paper filed, the IRS does not allow/require a copy of the extension to be sent electronically with the return.

Can extensions be attached to the 1040 return?

No, extensions cannot be attached to the 1040 return in the electronic format.

IP PIN

What is an IP PIN?

It is an identification number the IRS gives to taxpayers who have:

reported to the IRS that they have been victims of identity theft
given the IRS information that verifies their identity.

The IP PIN helps to prevent the misuse of a taxpayer’s Social Security number or Taxpayer Identification Number on income tax returns.

Why did the IRS send me an IP PIN?

You reported to the IRS you were a victim of identity theft. The IP PIN will help the IRS to verify your identity when you file your federal income tax return.

Will my IP PIN become a permanent identification number?

No. It is a single use identification number. It is only for this tax year's federal income tax return. The IRS will send you a new IP PIN every year.

How will I use the IP PIN when I file my return?

When filing an electronic return, enter the IP PIN on Organizer > E-file > Signature Authorization. If you file a paper return, enter your IP PIN in the gray box just to the right of the spouse’s signature/occupation.

How long will I have to use an IP PIN?

The IRS will send you a new IP PIN every year for three years after the identity theft, or longer if your account shows that you are still an identity theft victim.

Should I use this IP PIN on my state tax return?

No. It is only for your federal income tax return.

What should I do if I lose my IP PIN?

The IRS cannot send you a new IP PIN. If you do not have the IP PIN, you will have to file a paper tax return without it.

Will filing a return without my IP PIN affect it?

It may take more time to process your return because the IRS will have to validate your identity to protect your information. This could delay a refund if you are receiving one.

The IRS has more complete answers to questions you might have about the IP PIN process on the Frequently Asked Questions about the Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) page at https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft- fraud-scams/frequently-asked-questions-about-the-identity-protection-personal-identification-number-ip-pin.

PINs

What should I do if my client is unable to return to my office to input his/her self-select PIN?

Your client may authorize you to input his/her Self-Selected PIN by completing Form 8878. Provide Form 8878 to the taxpayer along with a copy of the extension return, either personally or by mail. Instruct your client to review the tax return for accuracy and complete the form by providing the requested information (a self-selected five-digit PIN, pen and ink signature, and date). If your client is unable to return the signed document to your office, he/she may return it by mail or FAX. It is not necessary for both taxpayers e-filing a joint return to select this option.

Is an electronic signature (PIN) required for all e-filed returns?

Yes, individual returns MUST include taxpayer/spouse and ERO PINs. The IRS no longer allows a paper signature for e- filed 1040 returns.

Qualified-Suspended Returns

How do I submit an e-file that is qualified in the locator but says Qualified-Suspended on the Browser E-file Submission screen?

Go to Organizer > E-file > Enable/Create.
Clear the Suspend box.
Close the locator.
Submit the e-file from RS Browser.

Reject Codes

How do I correct Reject R0000-504-2? Each "DependentSSN" and the corresponding "DependentNameControlTxt" must match the SSN and Name Control in the e-file database.

To correct this reject, follow these steps:

Verify that the dependent's SSN has been correctly entered in the Organizer.
If the dependent's SSN is correct, you must contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. The IRS Master File is generated by the Social Security Administration. Thomson Reuters is not able to assist you in resolving name control issues. The IRS Master File is generated by the Social Security Administration.

How do I resolve reject FPYMT-072-01: If the return is received on or before the due date of the return, then the 'RequestedPaymentDt' in the IRS Payment Record must be on the due date or before the due date.

Go to Organizer > General Information > Basic Return Information > Bank Information > Direct Debit section.
If the return is filed on or before the original due date of the return, the payment date must be on or before the due date.

How do I resolve reject FPYMT-074-01: If the return is received after the due date of the return, then the RequestedPaymentDt in the IRS Payment Record must not be later than the date the return was received.

Go to Organizer > General Information > Basic Return Information > Bank Information > Direct Debit section.
If the return is filed after the original due date of the return, the payment date must not be later than the date that the return will be transmitted but not more than five (5) days before the date that the return will be transmitted.

Size Limitation

Is there a size limitation for files transmitted?

No, neither Thomson Reuters nor the IRS anticipates that any client’s return will be too large for the system to handle.

Superseded Returns

Can a superseded return be e-filed for 1040?

The IRS currently does not allow e-file for superseded returns for 1040.

Viewing Completed Returns

How will we preview a completed return before filing?

Clients should still review their return via print and print preview.

E-file/faq_1040_ef.HTM/TY2020

Last Modified: 03/20/2020

Last System Build: 09/13/2021