Keyword: E-file, Electronic Filing

This is archived information that pertains only to the 2005 Tax Year. If you
are looking for information for the current tax year, go to the Tax Prep Help Area.

Can you send an amended tax return electronically?

No, an amended return must be filed on a paper Form 1040X (PDF), Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, and mailed to your servicing center for processing. You may submit the form once your original return has processed.

How can I correct a mistake on my federal e-file return?

Once accepted, you must allow the e-file return to process before making any changes. You cannot correct a mistake on a federal return which was filed electronically. You need to file an amended or corrected return using Form 1040X (PDF), Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, as soon as possible. Include copies of any schedules that have been changed or any Form W-2 (PDF) you did not include. The Form 1040X (PDF) is a paper form.

Can I file my return electronically even though I am filing a Form 8379, Injured Spouse Claim and Allocation?

Yes, you can file electronically.

May an employer provide me my Form W-2 electronically?

Yes, an employer may furnish your Form W-2 (PDF) electronically provided certain criteria are met. You must affirmatively consent to receive the Form W-2 (PDF) in an electronic format and prior to, or at the time of, your consent, your employer must provide you a disclosure statement containing specific disclosures. Additionally, the electronic version of the Form W-2 (PDF) must contain all required information and comply with applicable revenue procedures relating to substitute statements to recipients. If the statement is furnished on a Web site, then your employer must notify you, via mail, electronic mail, or in person, that the statement is posted on a Web site and provide instructions on accessing and printing the statement.

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.

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, however to do so you must file Form 4868 (PDF), Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, on or before April 15th. If the extension is timely filed, you have until October 15th to file your return. If April 15th falls on a weekend or federal holiday, you have until midnight the following business day to submit your extension or your tax return.

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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Keyword: E-file (Electronic Filing)