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Frequently Asked Tax Questions And Answers
Keyword: E-file (Electronic Filing) 1.3 IRS Procedures: Amended Returns & Form 1040X
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.
References:
How can I correct a mistake on my federal e-file return?
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
Forms W-2 you did not include. The 1040X is a paper form.
References:
1.9 IRS Procedures: Injured & Innocent Spouse
Can I file my return electronically even though I am filing a Form
8379, Injured Spouse Claim and Allocation?
Yes, you can file electronically.
References:
- Form 8379 (PDF), Injured Spouse
Claim and Allocation
14.1 Electronic Filing (e-file) and TeleFile: Age/Name/SSN Rejects, Errors, Correction Procedures
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.
References:
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, 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 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.
References:
How long after I change my name with social security will I be able to file
my tax return electronically?
Generally, two weeks after you change your name with the Social
Security Administration, the IRS should have the information and you should be
able to file electronically. If you do not have two weeks to wait before the due date
for filing your return timely, you will need to file a paper return. For general information
about e-file, refer to Tax Topic 252, Electronic Filing.
References:
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.
References:
I have electronically filed my tax return and it has not been accepted because
a dependent's social security number and last name do not match the IRS records. I
have checked with the Social Security Administration office and the information is
correct as it appears on their social security cards. What do I do now?
Unfortunately, you will need to file a paper return this year. Do not send any
documents other than the required form. You should also attach documentation supporting
the social security numbers in question for the dependents and a copy of the e-file
rejection notice. For general information about e-file, refer to Tax Topic 252, Electronic
Filing.
References:
Could you explain the electronic filing error message: Dependent's social
security number was used as primary and claimed self as an exemption on another tax
return?
This message means the social security number for the person whose exemption is
being claimed on this tax return as a dependent has already been filed on another
tax return as the primary taxpayer claiming the exemption. This may occur when your
child has filed his or her own return and not checked the box that someone else can
claim him or her as a dependent, or may be the result of a typo on another return.
The IRS has security measures in place to ensure the accuracy of returns submitted.
In such cases, the IRS will question the exemptions claimed by any other party using
the wrong social security number. If you have verified the dependent's social security
number and found no errors and your dependent has not filed a return and claimed an
exemption, you need to file a correct paper return. For general information about
e-file, refer to Tax Topic 252, Electronic Filing.
References:
I am concerned that someone else may be using my social security number
to file taxes without my knowledge and would like to know what to do?
Your concern may be the result of having had your e-file tax return rejected with
an error message that your social security number has already been used on another
return, for the same tax year. The cause of this rejection might be that someone is
using your social security number to file a return, but also might be the result of
a typo on another return. The IRS has security measures in place to verify the accuracy
of tax returns and validity of social security numbers submitted. If you received
this electronic filing error message and you have verified your social security number
and have found no errors, you need to file a correct paper return. Send only your
tax return and all required forms and schedules; please do not attach any other documents.
If necessary, the IRS will contact you by mail for additional information.
You are entitled to file your return correctly. If, however, you have knowledge
of tax fraud being committed, you may make an anonymous report by calling 1-800-829-0433.
For general information about e-file, refer to Tax Topic 252, Electronic
Filing.
References:
14.2 Electronic Filing (e-file) and TeleFile: Amended Returns
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.
References:
14.3 Electronic Filing (e-file) and TeleFile: Due Dates & Extension Dates for e-file
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), an Application for an
Extension of Time to File, on or before April 15th . If the extension is timely
filed, you have until August 15th to file your return. If the 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 additional time is needed please refer to the instruction
for Form 2688 (PDF), Application for Additional Time
to File US Individual Income Tax Return. Please note that the Form 2688 is not
an automatic extension and must be approved by IRS; if it is approved you may have
until October 15th to file your return electronically.
References:
- Tax Topic 304, Extension of Time to File Your Tax Return
- Electronic Services
- Form 4868 (PDF), Application for Automatic
Extension of Time to File US Individual Income Tax Return
- Form 2688 (PDF), Application for Additional
Time to File US Individual Income Tax Return
How can I send in my tax return before April 15th when e-file won't accept
a wrong social security number?
You can file a paper return. You will still need to fix the problem with the social
security number in order to file electronically in the future. Contact the Social
Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. For general information about e-file, refer
to Tax Topic 252, Electronic Filing.
References:
14.4 Electronic Filing (e-file) and TeleFile: Forms W–2 & Other Attachments
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.
References:
14.5 Electronic Filing (e-file) and TeleFile: TeleFile
What is TeleFile?
TeleFile is an interactive computer program that calculates your taxes and begins
the electronic filing process over the phone. IRS automatically sends a special TeleFile
package to those who may be eligible to use it. Only those receiving the package can
use TeleFile. This year, many taxpayers who filed Form 1040EZ (PDF), Income Tax Return for Single and Joint Filers With No Dependents,
or by TeleFile last year will receive a special TeleFile tax package that allows them
to file their taxes electronically by phone. TeleFile is easy, fast, and free. It's
available 24 hours a day, with nothing to mail in. TeleFile is a great way for students
to file their tax returns. Refer to Tax Topic 255, TeleFile, for more
information.
References:
Can I TeleFile or e-file if I am deducting student loan interest?
You cannot use TeleFile if you are claiming the student loan interest deduction.
However, you can e-file by personal computer or by filing through an Authorized
IRS e-file Provider. To learn more, refer to our Electronic
Services information. For general information about TeleFile or e-file, refer
to Tax Topic 255, TeleFile, or Tax Topic 252, Electronic Filing.
References:
I have not received a TeleFile tax package. Is there a way I can order this
form?
If you have met the criteria for using Telefile, i.e., filed TeleFile or a paper
1040 EZ the current year and have not changed your address or filing requirements,
you should receive a package. If you do not receive the TeleFile tax package or
if you lost or misplaced it, you can call the IRS at (800) 829-1040 and request another
package be mailed to you. Also, consider IRS e-file using a personal computer or filing
through an Authorized IRS
e-file Provider. To learn more, refer to our Electronic
Services information. For general information about TeleFile or e-file, refer
to Tax Topic 255, TeleFile, or Tax Topic 252, Electronic Filing.
References:
What is a 1040PC tax return?
The 1040PC was an alternative to filing a conventional paper tax return. It was
a computer generated tax return that prints out only the lines on which you made an
entry. The IRS no longer accepts paper returns in the 1040PC format.
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