Before a return can be e-filed, it must be marked for electronic filing from within the return itself. Marking the Federal Return electronic does not mark the State Return electronic. You must mark the state portion of the return electronic from the appropriate state program menu.
To mark a return for electronic filing, from the Main Menu of the Tax Return (Form 1040) select:
- Mark Return Electronic – You will be prompted to Select the E-File Type.
- Depending on the bank partner you have selected in the program there will be several options to choose from. Click here to display a description of the different electronic refund options, or in the case of a balance due return click here.
- After selecting the ‘Type of Return’, the Practitioner PIN Menu will display. On the Practitioner PIN Menu, the taxpayer’s and/or spouse’s PIN is automatically generated by using the number one plus the last four digits of his or her SSN. You will need to enter the Signature Date and also enter the ERO’s PIN if it has not already been entered in Configuration.
- Once the information is entered, exit the Practitioner PIN Menu. A box will ask if you want to print Form 8879. The ERO must keep Form 8879 on file for 3 years. You do not have to mail the Form 8879 to the IRS.
- When you exit the Electronic Filing Information Screen, the E-File Menu will be displayed. Use this screen to check to be sure everything is correct or to make changes to the electronic filing information or to remove the client’s return from electronic filing. The Other E-File Information menu option allows you to enter or change certain E-File information. If the entries are correct, you can exit back to the 1040 Main Menu as the return has been marked for electronic filing. The return is ready to be electronically filed.
IMPORTANT: Make sure you get the RTN from a check and not a deposit slip. Some banks use an internal routing number on their deposit slips rather than their RTN. Your client’s refund will be delayed for several weeks if the proper RTN is not transmitted to the IRS.