You can e-file extension requests for a group of eligible individual taxpayers by following the steps below. Open the Client Manager. Select the clients you want to include: Click the first client, then hold CTRL and click additional clients. Right-click on one of the selected clients and choose E-File > 1040 Extension (Batch). Alternatively, click […]
To access or print the application summary, follow these steps: Go to https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/e-file-provider-services . Log in to your account. Steps vary depending on which login type you use with IRS. Select your organization from the choices given and click Submit. Read and accept the Terms of Service. You will be redirected to the External Services […]
TaxAct State Editions Anticipated release dates for TaxAct State Editions are listed below, with most releasing in January. For more details about forms available in each return type, go to https://www.taxact.com/forms. For more information on state release information, including updates on the availability of forms to print, see State Program Updates. 2025 Alabama Anticipated Release […]
Tax return preparers who prepare all, or substantially all, of a federal tax return for compensation are subject to certain requirements including registration in the IRS PTIN Requirements for Tax Return Preparers webpage. The Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) is mandatory for all paid preparers since January 1, 2011. Tax preparers must pay a fee […]
Preparer Notes can be used by the paid preparer, electronic return originator, or taxpayer to provide additional, voluntary information related to the Form 1040, but it is not required to attach it. These notes are added to the return in the same area where the Election Explanations and Regulatory Explanations are entered. Online Dashboards From […]
The IRS has an annual maintenance period (called a “blackout”) during which certain types of returns are not accepted electronically. This is also referred to as the e-filing shutdown or cutover schedule. Individual Returns The individual shutdown for tax year 2024 began on Friday, December 26, 2025 at 11:59 am EST. The IRS began accepting […]
The IRS may reject your tax return if you did not include information about your Advanced Premium Tax Credit on IRS Form 8962 from the federal healthcare marketplace. This occurs when the IRS database shows that you should have provided this information (whether this is accurate or not). If you did receive Form 1095-A showing […]
When you purchase prepaid or unlimited e-filing, that purchase is assigned to your account. When you sign into TaxAct with the username and password associated with that account, your Practice ID should automatically be added to your Preparer Information. To enter the verification information for your e-filing: From within your TaxAct Professional Edition program, click […]
You may be required to include additional files with your return. If you are, you’ll be prompted to attach those files during the e-filing process. Check the Federal and State sections of the TaxAct program to make sure you’ve added any necessary attachments. How do I add an attachment? Click Add next to an […]
In order to comply with IRS efforts to prevent fraud and identity theft, TaxAct Professionals must submit a copy of their IRS e-file Application Summary to TaxAct. This one-time verification process needs to be completed for each EFIN used in your organization. Follow the instructions below to submit a copy of your IRS e-file Application […]
As a Professional Preparer, you can choose different options of paying for e-filing with TaxAct Professional software. If you have not already verified your EFIN information with TaxAct, see EFIN Verification Process. Unlimited e-Filing If you decide to purchase a professional bundle, unlimited e-filing is included. Pre-Paid e-Filing If you are interested in Pre-Paid e-filing, contact […]
During times of high volume, there may be slow response or timeouts with Electronic Filing Manager or Pro Reports because there are many customers checking statuses at the same time. To reduce the likelihood that you will experience these issues, narrow your search criteria so the program doesn’t need to search through as many files. […]
Preparer Notes can be used by the paid preparer, electronic return originator, or taxpayer to provide additional, voluntary information related to Forms 1120, 1120-S or 1065 tax returns, but it is not required to attach them. These notes are added to the return in the same area where the Election Explanations and Regulatory Explanations are […]
TaxAct assigns each practice a unique alphanumeric identification code called a “Practice ID” when the software is purchased. If you have multiple preparers in your practice, each preparer will have the same Practice ID. This ID links your software with your TaxAct account and allows all preparers in your practice to share resources. The Practice […]
The IRS explains the guidelines and provides FAQs for preparers using the Self-Select PIN Method for Forms 1040 and 4868 Modernized e-File (MeF) on its website: The Self-Select PIN Method ( Personal Identification Number ) is one option for taxpayers to use when signing their electronic Form 1040 and Form 4868. The PIN is any […]
All paid tax return preparers must obtain or renew their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) annually. The PTIN renewal period begins in mid-October and all PTINs expire on Dec. 31. If you must pass the Registered Tax Return Preparer test, do not delay in making your appointment. Learn more about PTIN renewal and CE requirements […]
If you are attempting to mail a paper return and the instruction letter is indicating the return will be e-filed, you can change this information: From within your TaxAct Professional Edition Program, on the Client Manager screen, double-click the client you want to edit the instruction letter for. Click Preparer in the upper menu bar, hover […]
Continuing education (CE) requirements will vary based on your professional designation. Attorneys, certified public accountants, and enrolled agents each have their own CE requirements. Other tax professionals may now participate in the IRS’s Annual Filing Season Program. Click the links below for additional information. Related Links IRS List of Approved Continuing Education Providers CE FAQs: […]
If you entered a zero in the AGI entry field or left it blank, and did not check 2022 AGI was 0 during the e-filing steps, you will receive this Red Alert: Error or Omission: Incomplete Self Select Information Taxpayer You have indicated you wish to file a paperless return; however, the taxpayer’s 2022 Adjusted […]
If you are required by law to electronically file all of your clients’ tax returns, but need an exception to this requirement for a particular return, you should file Form 8948 Preparer Explanation for Not Filing Electronically. This form is available in the TaxAct Professional Edition of the software and is accessed through the Forms […]
If you file returns for another preparer (or need another preparer to file returns for you), there are a few extra steps to complete in your TaxAct® Professional Edition program. To e-file returns as the Electronic Return Originator, but not as the Paid Preparer: From within your TaxAct Professional Edition program, click Preparer in the […]
The TaxAct® Accuracy Guarantee does not cover the Professional Editions. Paid preparers are responsible for reviewing the return for accuracy. If you are signing the return as a paid preparer, the IRS will ultimately hold you accountable for the return’s accuracy. If you determine there is a problem, you can either override the entry or […]
If you are a preparer e-filing returns for the first time, see the following links for helpful information: Handbook for Authorized IRS e-file Providers of Individual Income Tax Returns Become an Authorized e-file Provider Preparers must apply for an Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) in order to e-file. You can contact the IRS e-Help Desk […]
You may e-file your clients’ tax returns using either the Self-Select PIN method or Practitioner PIN method (Form 8879 IRS e-file Signature Authorization). Self-Select PIN method (aka Paperless Option) Selecting the Self-Select PIN method means your client(s) will be entering their own PIN numbers directly into your computer (they will also need to provide information […]
Form W-12 IRS Paid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) Application and Renewal will not be supported in the TaxAct® program as it is not a part of the federal return; however, it is accessible through the IRS website. Form W-12 replaced Form W-7P Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, last used by the IRS […]
When you submit your e-filed return, TaxAct immediately begins transmitting the return to the IRS and/or your state tax agency. So, once you submit a return electronically, there is no way to stop or cancel that transmission. If you made a mistake or forgot to include something: If your return is rejected, you can go […]
To view or edit the Bank Account Worksheet which contains the banking information for direct withdrawal of estimated tax payments: From within your TaxAct Professional Edition program, in your client’s return, click Forms in the options bar to view the Forms Explorer (if it is not already visible). Click Federal from the dropdown in forms […]
To authorize the IRS to discuss your return with someone else (for example, a relative or paid tax preparer), you must provide that person’s name, phone number, and PIN (any 5-digit number created by the designee). This information will be entered into the Q&A. Tax professionals should complete the Third Party Designee section on Form […]
Wondering what’s changed in the tax world from last year? We put together the top six 2022 federal tax changes that taxpayers like you should know about before filing your income tax return in 2023. Tax year 2021 saw major tax changes due to the coronavirus pandemic, but many of those changes went away in […]
All TaxAct Professional users will need to have a TaxAct Account with a valid Practice ID, Verified EFIN, and PTIN (or SSN if not using a PTIN). When attempting to e-file a client’s return, the Preparer E-File Wizard will automatically check to ensure your account is set up and prompt you if any required information […]
In order to e-file for the 2021 tax season, all professional preparers will need to have a TaxAct Account with a valid Practice ID, Verified EFIN, and PTIN (or SSN if not using a PTIN). Each preparer will need to obtain a Practice ID by requesting/receiving an invitation from the Practice Owner (who purchased the […]
The IRS requires all paid preparers who anticipate preparing and filing 11 or more individual returns during a calendar year to e-file those returns. Members of firms must count returns in the aggregate. A summary of the new requirements appears in the IRS Most Tax Return Preparers Must Use IRS e-file webpage. The measures are […]
