What software is approved for IRS e-file?
The IRS does not endorse or approve software. You may want to consider
IRS e-file by filing through an Authorized
IRS e-file Provider. To learn more, refer to our Electronic
Services information. For general information about e-file, refer to Tax Topic 252, Electronic Filing.
We will be filing a joint tax return. Can we file our return electronically?
Yes. Filing your return electronically is faster, safer, and more accurate
than mailing your tax return because it is transmitted over telephone lines
directly to an IRS computer. Refer to Tax Topic 252, Electronic
Filing, for more information.
How can I participate as an electronic filing Provider?
To participate in the e-file program, you must first choose the Authorized
IRS e-file options that are best for you. An Authorized IRS e-file Provider
can be an Electronic Return Originator, Intermediate Service Provider, Transmitter
or Software Developer.
Submit Form 8633 (PDF), Application to
Participate in the IRS e-file Program. Submit your application to the
appropriate Service Center as shown on Form 8633. Publication 1345 (PDF), Handbook
for Authorized IRS E-File Providers Individual Income Tax Returns, provides
you with the information you need to apply to participate in the e-file Program.
Technical information can be found in Publication 1346 (PDF), Electronic Return File Specifications and Record Layouts
for Individual Income Tax Returns. Updates to this publication will appear
on the Electronic Filing System Bulletin Board. You can also contact the Andover
Service Center at 1-800-691-1894 (toll free) for assistance.
Pass a Suitability Background check. If you apply to become an ERO, Transmitter
or Intermediate Service Provider, the IRS conducts a background check on all
principals of your firm and responsible officials listed on the application
to determine their suitability to be an Authorized IRS e-file Provider. If
you apply to be a Software Developer only, a suitability check is not required.
I filed electronically but my tax return was rejected. What do I
do now?
Your next action depends on the reason your return was rejected. You should
receive an explanation of why the return was rejected. If a mistake was made
when entering a social security number, omitting a form or a name is misspelled,
the errors can be corrected and the return can be sent again to the IRS. There
are other errors that will cause you to have to file using a paper return.
If you have further questions, you can call our Customer Service number at
1-800-829-1040. For general information about e-file, refer to Tax Topic 252, Electronic
Filing.
My electronic tax return keeps getting rejected for a dependent's
social security number used more than once or on another return. I have verified
the social security numbers of all my dependents with the Social Security
Administration and no one else is authorized to claim our children on their
taxes. How do I correct this error so that an e-file return will go through?
Unfortunately, you will need to file a paper return this year. Do not send
any documents that are not required with your tax return. Whether the cause
of this rejection is the result of a typo on another return or an attempt
by another party to claim your dependent, the IRS has security measures in
place to ensure the accuracy of returns submitted. In such cases, the IRS
will question the dependency exemptions claimed by any other party using the
wrong social security number. For general information about e-file, refer
to Tax Topic 252, Electronic Filing.
Can I file an amended Form 1040X electronically?
At this time, the Form 1040X is not accepted electronically. For general
information about e-file, refer to Tax Topic 252, Electronic Filing.
I don't owe taxes. Can I file electronically after April 15th?
Yes, you can electronically file your return after April 15th. Electronically
filed tax returns are accepted until October 15th. However, for your return
to be considered timely after April 15, you must file Form 4868 (PDF), an Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File, on
or before April 15th. If April 15th falls on a weekend or federal holiday,
you have until midnight the following business day to submit your extension
request or your tax return. With a timely filed extension request, you have
until October 15th to timely file your return. If an extension of time to
file has not been timely submitted you may be subject to a failure to file
penalty if you file your return after April 15th.
If I file electronically, what do I do with my W-2 forms?
When filing electronically you must provide Form W-2 (PDF) to the authorized IRS e-file provider before the provider sends
the electronic return to the IRS. In addition, you should keep them in a safe
place with a copy of your tax return. For general information about e-file,
refer to Tax Topic 252, Electronic Filing.
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