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Filing

Prepare 1040 electronic returns including batch processing

You'll need to have defined the 1040 electronic filing configuration.
  1. Enter the client's tax data as usual and in accordance to the guidelines for entering data.
  2. Select the
    Electronic Filing
     folder.
  3. Select the
    ELF
     tab.
  4. Mark the
    File this return electronically
     checkbox.
  5. If you use the
    Self-Select PIN
     or
    Practitioner PIN
    , select the
    PIN
     tab and enter the PIN and other information.
  6. Select
    View
    , then
    Diagnostics
     to review the diagnostic messages in the
    Federal Diagnostics
     window.
    note
    Select any item to open the corresponding screen to review the message.
  7. Verify that you have cleared all Critical and ELF Critical diagnostic messages and reviewed the FYI diagnostic messages.
  8. Close the
    Federal Diagnostics
     window.
  9. Select
    Print
    .
    note
    • When you create the electronic file, UltraTax CS creates the state electronic file if needed and a state FYI diagnostic to indicate it has created a state electronic file. You can choose to file a paper return for the state and suppress the creation of the state electronic file.
    • To create state electronic files without electronically creating the federal return:
      • Go to the
        ELF
         screen.
      • Mark the
        Suppress the creation of: Federal electronic file(s) when only filing a state return /extension electronically
         checkbox.
    • By default, the government collation includes only the forms that need to be submitted to the taxing authority when an electronic return is filed. To modify these collations:
      • Select
        Setup
        , then
        1040 Individual
        .
      • Select the
        Federal
         or state tab.
      • Select
        Tax Return
         to change the print collation for all electronic returns. We strongly recommend that you use the default collation. This won’t affect which forms you include in the electronic file.
    • File attachments are created when the following conditions exist:
      • You don't print the government copy to paper.
      • You electronically file the return.
      • You deliver a client copy of the return via email, as a file, or through a web portal.
    • One of the PDF attachments is an archive copy of the return for the client's records. The other contains items that require action by your client. For example, Form 8879 would be included in an attachment with the filing instructions to assist the client in printing, signing, and returning the form to your office.
    • For some tax returns, the IRS requires you to submit additional paperwork to the taxing authority.
  10. Mark the
    Government copy
     and the
    Create electronic file
     checkboxes.
    note
    • If you use CS Connect to transmit the return, you want to have the return checked for electronic filing errors, and you want to create the electronic file, only without printing forms:
      • Mark only the
        Government copy
         and
        Create electronic file
         checkboxes in the
        Print Returns
         window.
      • Select
        E-File
         in the
        Print Returns
         window. If you select
        Print
         or
        Preview
         from the toolbar or select
        File
        , then
        Preview
        , you won't generate the electronic file.
    • If you use a 3rd-party application vendor to transmit returns, mark the
      Create electronic file (for 3rd Party)
       checkbox to create the electronic file. The 3rd-party vendor is responsible for checking for errors.
  11. Select
    Options
    , and verify that the
    Federal
     and any state checkboxes are marked.
    note
    If you're creating the FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR), clear the
    Federal
     and any state checkboxes, and mark the
    FinCEN Form 114
     checkbox.
  12. To create electronic files for multiple clients at the same time, select
    Clients
     and choose the clients.
  13. Select
    Print
     or
    E-File
    .
    note
    This creates the electronic file and checks for errors in the electronic file. To check for return for errors without creating the electronic file, select
    Preview
     or
    Check E-File
    .
    • CS errors
      : Errors that begin with
      CS
       report incomplete data entry, usually a result of ELF Critical diagnostics, such as incomplete PIN screen diagnostics. For example,
      1040 error CSUSL, Return doesn't qualify for PIN for the following reasons: ERO PIN is required on Screen PIN.
    • Agency Errors
      : IRS agency errors, such as
      1040 error FW2-499, Form W-2, Line B 'Employer EIN' is invalid for processing an Individual e-filed return
      .
    • Schema Failure
      : The IRS requires the electronic file to meet the rules defined by the IRS in a schema. Errors are usually missing data or contain incorrectly entered data, such as entering 4 digits (instead of 5 or 9 digits) for a ZIP Code (for example,
      1040 error "Schema Failure Data is formatted improperly IRS W2 > EmployerUSAddress > ZIPCode"
      ).
    • When you create electronic files, any untransmitted electronic files for a client re deleted. You'll get a notification of the returns to be deleted. If you want to stop the creation of the new electronic files and keep the existing files, select
      Cancel
      .
    • If you use a 3rd-party application vendor to transmit 1040 returns, you'll find the electronic file in the location you specified. To check the location, go to
      Setup
      ,
      User Preferences
      , then the
      File Locations
       tab.
    • If you use a 3rd-party application vendor as your transmitter, this application vendor checks for errors in these returns.
  14. Transmit the returns in CS Connect.
    note
    Don't file a copy of an extension with the return electronic file. The IRS doesn't give you the electronic file specifications that you would need. Also, the Form 4868 instructions, Page 2 state,
    Don’t attach a copy of Form 4868 to your return
    .

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