When you’re ready to e-file a client return, we recommend using the E-file Center, where you can submit single or multiple returns. From here, you can also view e-filing information for other preparers in your practice and navigate to e-file and refund status reports.

To access the E-file Center, you must be in a client’s return. Click on the E-file button in the navigation menu.

E-file a Single Return

1. From the E-file Center, click the first link, Submit Electronic Filing Return. This will open to a screen in the Q&A.
2. Select E -File and click Continue.
   • When e-filing your first 202Y return: If you have not entered your Practice ID, EFIN or PTIN (or SSN) in Preparer Info, you will be prompted to confirm or enter the missing information. You will also need to have your EFIN verified, and confirm that you are the responsible party for verifying your EFIN, before you can proceed through the e-filing steps. See __ for more information.
3. If you’ve enrolled in Protection Plus Audit Assistance, you will also indicate whether you want to purchase Protection Plus for your client and complete the subsequent entry screens.
4. A screen titled E-Filing Summary will appear, where you can navigate to specific e-file topics (see list below). You can return to this screen at any time by clicking Back or continuing through all the screens for a topic.
   • The list of topics is client-specific and depends on the details of that client’s return, such as whether there is a refund or liability. Topics include:
     • IRS E-file Authorization: Self-Select PIN – In this required step, choose Self-Select PIN or Practitioner PIN via Form 8879, then enter related information.
     • IRS Refund Method: Direct Deposit – If client is receiving a refund, you must choose bank products, direct deposit or check, then enter the required information for the refund method. If client owes money to the IRS or state, you must choose how they will pay – direct withdrawal, credit card (pay now or pay later), or paper check.
     • Driver’s License Information (optional) – Enter or confirm drivers license information.
     • In Care of Information (optional) – Enter In Care Of information here.
     • E-File Alerts – These alerts must be fixed for a valid e-file as required by the IRS.
     • Print Returns and E-File Documents (optional) – From here, you can print your client’s federal and/or state return and filing instructions. You can also print state forms from here, including Form 8453 and other e-file signature documents.
     • E-File Notifications (optional) – Sign up for E-File Notifications.
     • Request E-Signature – Request an E-Signature. For more information, see Electronic Tax Signing.
5. After completing the E-Filing Summary, complete the screens to “sign” your client’s return. (Information required for signature depends on whether Self-Select PIN or Practitioner PIN was chosen.)
6. The TaxAct Alerts screen checks the return for potential errors, omissions and tax-saving opportunities. Make any necessary changes to the return.
7. If your client’s return has any associated fees, the E-filing – Payment Method screen will appear. You must select whether to pay the client’s fees from your prepaid account or by credit card.
   • NOTE: if you purchased a bundle that includes unlimited e-filing, you will not be prompted for payment.
8. Continue through the next screens to submit the e-file.

To set up a prepaid account, you must enter the information in the Preparer Master Information window, which can be accessed by clicking Preparer > Master Information > Preparers. Click Edit next to the preparer name. In the Edit Preparer Information window, click the Electronic Filing Info tab and enter the credit card information. See Using the Master Information Preparers Tab for more information.

E-File Multiple Returns as a Batch

Batch e-filing allows you to complete client returns while you wait for receipt of payment.
To batch e-file client returns, prepare returns for submission by completing steps 1 through 7 above for e-filing a single return. Any fees associated with returns for batch submission must be paid when completing step 7 above for each return.

1. Complete steps 1-7 for e-filing a single return.
2. Continue through the Submit Return screen.
3. On the Create and Submit screen, choose Submit Later in order to place that return
   into a holding directory.
4. When you are ready to submit a batch of returns:
   1. Click Preparer in the main menu, then Submit Client E-files.
      • Alternatively, you can navigate here from the E-file Center by clicking the second link, Submit (Batch) Electronic Filing Returns.
   2. A popup window with all client returns ready for submission will appear. Check the returns you would like to submit.
      • NOTE: You can also “delete” a return pending transmission in this window. Deleting simply removes the file from the holding directory – it does not delete the return or alter the information in the return. If you delete a file from the holding directory, you must again complete steps 1-8 above for e-filing a single return.
   3. After selecting at least one return, the Submit button will be enabled. Click Submit to transmit the selected returns.

When submission is complete, a confirmation window will appear. You should also receive an email notification from TaxAct indicating the returns have been received.

Related Links

• Checking E-File Status for Client Returns
• Print Consent Forms, Invoices, and Reports
• Adding, Editing, and Deleting Clients from Client Manager
• Backing Up Client Returns and/or Preparer Information