help with e-filing returns

[dsheth82]

Hello everyone,

This is my first year of using ATX, and as a preparer. I just got my EFIN, and sent it out to ATX so they can include that in their file.

Now the questions is how do i e-file the return? I tried to look for instructions, but no luck.

Lets just say i want to file regular 1040 with schedule A. What process do i need to follow? Any additional forms/info i may need to add???

Thank you in advance.

[lydia33]

After entering your id numbers you will need to click add form....1040 ef info is what you want to open.....fill in the approbate information like are you using a pin number....who entered the pin number....I always enter the pin number....go to second page and check yes or no on ral at top........fill in the info for refund or balance due with or without the bank information....whatever the situation is mail box or bank......click the efile button and it will tell you if you need to enter anymore information. All the form like the 8879 are created when you make the choice on the ef information sheet.....Get the client to sign the 8879.... then go to the efile manager.....the return should be in created......hit transmitt.....off it goes (or not if something is wrong)......then in a few hours you should hear something back when you click the check for ack. button. Just that easy most of the time. Happy efiling.

[dsheth82]

After entering your id numbers you will need to click add form....1040 ef info is what you want to open.....fill in the approbate information like are you using a pin number....who entered the pin number....I always enter the pin number....go to second page and check yes or no on ral at top........fill in the info for refund or balance due with or without the bank information....whatever the situation is mail box or bank......click the efile button and it will tell you if you need to enter anymore information. All the form like the 8879 are created when you make the choice on the ef information sheet.....Get the client to sign the 8879.... then go to the efile manager.....the return should be in created......hit transmitt.....off it goes (or not if something is wrong)......then in a few hours you should hear something back when you click the check for ack. button. Just that easy most of the time. Happy efiling.

Thank you. Now do i need to worry about the ERO info and such.

[lydia33]

Thank you. Now do i need to worry about the ERO info and such.

Set all that up first before you do anything. It will rollover auto with preparer info.

[taxperson]

Thank you. Now do i need to worry about the ERO info and such.

Yes. If you're transmitting the return you are the ERO. The very first thing you do is go to the Preparer Manager tab at the top and fill in all your information under the Efile tab in that view. Be sure to check the ERO box. And if you haven't filled in the Paid Preparer or Firm information there, now would be a good time. It will save lots of time and potential rejects for missing information.

[catax]

I do not know what state you are located in. Maybe you are in a state with no income tax..But if not you need to also add the ef info sheet for the state you want to efile and follow all the steps you followed on the federal ef info sheet listed above. You should be creating two e-files one federal and one state. Sometimes they are piggybacked or sometimes sent separately depending on the state. The client will need to file two signature forms one for fed and one for the state. Nena

[Chrisbry]

The client will need to file two signature forms one for fed and one for the state. Nena

That also depends on what state -- Nebraska no longer requires a signature. They accept the Form 8879 signature.

[dsheth82]

Thank you all for your quick response. I am located in IL.

I sent my EFIN number to ATX, and somehow its taking them more then 30 hours to enter 6 digit number to their system. Still waiting on it. I will follow the steps provided by you as soon as i am able to file returns. Hopefully, i won't have more questions.

Thank you again for your help.

[lydia33]

You are very welcome. Happy efiling. The second year is eaier than the first.

[dsheth82]

I was hoping not to have more questions, but ...........

1) What do i need to keep for my record? Can i keep PDF files instead of actual copies of a return?

2) Do i need to give copies of Form 8879 & IL-8453 to client?

Thank you in advance.

[mcb39]

I was hoping not to have more questions, but ...........

1) What do i need to keep for my record? Can i keep PDF files instead of actual copies of a return?

2) Do i need to give copies of Form 8879 & IL-8453 to client?

Thank you in advance.

You can keep PDF, CD, Zip or paper files. As long as you have something to show the IRS if they come calling. Obviously, you would need to keep paper signature files.

I don't know if you HAVE to give copies of 8879 and IL-8453 to client, but I always give copies of 8879 and WI WR-A to all clients as well as depreciation schedules and anything the would need to "build" their return if they would wish to take it somewhere else. I have had too many clients come to me with incomplete copies of their returns and the time lost in trying to gather information is invalueable.

[Andrew]

You can keep PDF, CD, Zip or paper files. As long as you have something to show the IRS if they come calling. Obviously, you would need to keep paper signature files.

Actually, you don't have to keep paper signature files. Electronic storage is fine. Faxes are fine. My incoming faxes arrive in my email as tiff files and I save them with the client's other electronic documents. I'm using faxaway.com.