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 […]
The IRS will begin accepting individual returns on January 26, 2026. The official filing season start dates are posted each year on the IRS website. The IRS accepts returns on a first-come, first-served basis. Because of this, we strive to have our product ready in time for you to be first in line! Our Federal […]
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 […]
Form 4868 is used to request an extension of time to file an individual tax return, Form 1040. Generate and FileTo generate and file Form 4868, follow the steps below. NOTES: Form 4868 is only an extension of time to file, not an extension of time to pay any amount due. If you expect […]
If you re-file a return after it was initially rejected, the TaxAct program may prompt you to enter a credit/debit card number, even if you already paid when you first filed. You will not be charged again if: The primary identification number remains the same (Social Security Number (SSN) for personal tax returns or Employer […]
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 […]
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 […]
As a professional preparer, you may e-file returns for the current tax year as well as the previous two tax years. For example, during the 2024 filing season you may e-file 2022, 2023, and 2024 returns. Note. The IRS shuts down its Modernized e-File Program (MeF) system briefly (sometime in November for 1040 returns, and […]
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. […]
How to successfully file VITA/TCE returns using the TaxAct Professional software: Make sure the preparer completing the return has a valid SIDN (STIN) entered – you can enter the SIDN as the PTIN included in your Preparer Master Information so it flows into the return. On the Basic Information worksheet, select Do not include paid […]
To access the Attachment Manager in the TaxAct program: From within your Online TaxAct return, click Filing to expand, then click E-file My Return. On smaller devices, click in the upper left-hand corner, then click Filing. Select the return(s) you would like to submit, then click Continue. Click I Agree, then click Continue. On the […]
To choose paper filing or e-filing on Federal or State Client Instruction Letter: From within your TaxAct Professional Edition program, on the Client Manager screen, Double-click your client to open their return. Click Preparer in the upper menu bar, then hover your mouse over Instruction Letter, Edit Client Copy, then click Federal to view the letter in Forms View (for the state client instruction letter, […]
TaxAct Professional Edition allows you to lock returns after e-filing, to prevent changes to the filed returns. To automatically lock returns after e-filing (or to deselect this option): From within your TaxAct Professional Edition program, click Preparer in the upper menu bar, hover your mouse over Master Information, then click General. In the Filing/Printing Options section, click the Checkbox next […]
Print Client Instruction Letter while e-filing: From within your TaxAct Professional Edition program, on the Client Manager screen, Double-click your client to open their return. Click Q&A in the options bar, then click Filing. Click the Circle next to E-File, then click Continue. Continue with the interview process until you reach the screen titled E-filing […]
The Practitioner PIN method allows taxpayers to authorize the Electronic Return Originator (ERO) to enter or generate the taxpayer’s PIN. To set the program to automatically use the Practitioner PIN: From within your TaxAct Professional Edition program, click Preparer in the upper menu bar, hover your mouse over Master Information, then click Preparers. Click the […]
For the instruction letter addressed to the taxpayer with instructions about the e-filing: Click Q&A in the options bar, then click Filing. Continue with the interview process until you reach the screen titled E-Filing – Topics. For the Print Returns and E-File Documents item, click Start or Review on the right. Click the Click here link at […]
If you see only one preparer or one preparer’s e-filed returns listed in Pro Reports, this may be due to one of the following: You are not logged into the program or website as the practice owner. Only the preparer assigned as the practice owner will have the ability to view information for all e-filed […]
To access your E-File Billing Summary in the TaxAct Professional Edition program: From within your TaxAct Professional Edition program, click Preparer in the upper menu bar, then click Professional Reports. Click E-File Billing Summary, and your total paid fees will be displayed as well as a detailed list of e-filing fees by client. To access […]
To resend an invitation to a preparer: From within your TaxAct Professional Edition program, click Preparer in the upper menu bar, hover your mouse over Master Information, then click Preparers. Click the Pencil icon next to the preparer name, then click Invite. Click Send Email Invitation. Fill out the information, then click Send Invite. Completing the process above will re-send the email […]
If you receive the following error message: “Republic has informed us that based on your EFIN you are not enrolled to do bank products.” Please make sure you have set up an account with the bank. You must contact Republic Bank to do so. You can locate further information regarding the bank products by visiting […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
TaxAct offers professional preparers the option to electronically file client returns in batches. To do this, you can choose to submit your client returns later, then E-file the client returns all at once. To save a return for later: From within your TaxAct Professional Edition program, Double-click the client return you want to save for […]
TaxAct participates in the IRS Free-File Alliance and abides by all IRS Security and Privacy standards. IRS Publication 1345, Handbook for Authorized IRS e-file Providers of Individual Income Tax Returns, specifically describes the standards for e-file security and privacy and details the requirement for external vulnerability scans starting on page 9. The Handbook states: External […]
IRS Publication 1345 Handbook for Authorized IRS e-file Providers of Individual Income Tax Returns, provides rules and requirements for participation in IRS e-file by Authorized IRS e-file Providers filing individual income tax returns and related forms and schedules. Related Links IRS E-file for Tax Professionals IRS Modernized e-File (MeF) Program Information Note that any link […]
As you go through the electronic filing process for your clients, you will see information regarding the regulations under Internal Revenue Code Section 7216 Disclosure of Use of Tax Information by Preparers of Returns, which you are required to follow. Per IRS Section 7216 Frequently Asked Questions: A8 A taxpayer must provide written consent before a tax […]
Form 9325, Acknowledgement and General Information for Taxpayers Who File Returns Electronically can be used to convey information to customers by an Electronic Return Originator (ERO), and would be completed by the ERO as the filer of the return. At the bottom, this form states: “Note: EROs can use the Acknowledgement File information, translated by […]
Per IRS Publication 3112 IRS e-file Application and Participation, on page 14: Registration of Websites with the IRS To safeguard taxpayer information, the IRS requires Providers to register with the IRS all websites that collects taxpayer information, either directly or through third parties, and used by the Provider for federal returns that are filed electronically. […]
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 […]
An ERO PIN (Practitioner PIN) is used when a preparer is including Form 8879 IRS e-file Signature Authorization in the submission of a client’s return. The number is created by the preparer following the IRS criteria listed in the IRS Self-Select PIN Method for Forms 1040 and 4868 Modernized e-File (MeF) webpage. What is an […]
To view the Submission ID Number and the status of your e-filed returns: From within your TaxAct Professional Edition program, click Client Manager in the options bar to view the Client Manager screen (if it is not already visible). Click Professional Reports. Click the Refresh Professional Reports icon (Green arrows). The Submission ID Number displayed on […]
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 […]
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 […]
Preparers must apply to obtain an Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) and become an Authorized e-file Provider. This application can be completed online through the IRS E-file for Tax Professionals webpage. If you need assistance, call the IRS e-help Desk number for electronic filing issues: 1-866-255-0654 (toll free), (if outside of the 50 U.S. states […]
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 […]
Electronic Filing (e-filing) goes through TaxAct® to be transmitted to the IRS. The e-filing module is included in the TaxAct Professional Editions. E-filing with TaxAct is available for Federal 1040, 1065, 1120-S, 1120, 1041, and 990 returns. State e-filing is available for those states that assess personal income tax and for many business and estate […]
In order to obtain the mailing address for your federal or state return, you can go to the the IRS Where to File Paper Tax Returns With or Without a Payment webpage, or check the filing instructions from within your TaxAct return; go to our Print Filing Instructions Online and Desktop FAQ for help. The […]
The IRS imposes a limit of five on the number of tax returns that you may file electronically (“e-filing”). This limitation is imposed by the IRS, not by TaxAct. Note: The IRS imposes the five-return limit specifically on electronically filed returns. If you reach the five-return e-file limit, you may submit paper copies of any additional tax returns. […]
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 […]
