IRS E-file Tax

IRS E-File Qualifications

Can I electronically file a state tax return without a federal tax return?

Yes, in most cases you may efile your state tax return separately. You should enter both your federal and state tax information and then calculate the return. For all states, except AR, HI, OK and OR, you can then file your state return independently.

Please Note: You can choose to electronically file just your federal return.

When I look for electronic filing under the Review Return link, why do I only see an option to print?

The link to electronically file your return will not be visible if your return is not ready to electronically file. This indicates:

  • You selected No to the question "Do you intend to file this return electronically?"

    • OR

  • Your return does not qualify for electronic filing.

To view the reasons for failure to qualify, as well as other possible errors in your return, click on Step 2, Review summary and check for errors, on the Steps to File page. To review your selections click on Filing Options on the right side of any page.

How do I file electronically?

To request electronic filing:

  1. Click on the "Filing Options" link located within the Other Resources section on the right side of every page.
  2. On the Electronic Filing Options page, answer "Yes" to the question, "Do you intend to file this return electronically?" and "Do you intend to file your [state] return electronically (if applicable)?
  3. Click "Continue" to the Filing Options page.
  4. Review the "Filing Options" page carefully and choose your options:
    • How do you wish to receive your refund?
    • Do you want to file electronically if there is a balance due?
    • How do you want to pay your balance due?
    • How do you want to sign your return?
  5. Click "Continue" and based on the options you have chosen you will be taken to the "Bank Information" page and/or the "Signing Your Electronic Return" page.
  6. When you have finished entering your filing options, click on the "Continue" button and your return will calculate. You will then see the Return Information page which you should carefully review. This is followed by the Tax Return summary. Clicking "Continue" will take you to the Steps to File page.
  7. On the "Steps to File" page review and print your return (You will be allowed to print your return after completing Step 3).
  8. If everything is correct and the return is ready to be e-filed, click on "Electronically file" in Step 5.
  9. Verify the information on the disclosure statements authorizing us to send your return to the taxing authority and click "Continue".
  10. Follow the steps shown on the next few pages to complete the electronic filing process.

Note: You must complete all steps for your return to be e-filed.

Do I qualify for electronic filing?

Most taxpayers qualify for electronic filing. Some of the rare situations in which you may not qualify include:

  1. You do not currently live in the United States.
  2. You earned income from a state in which you do not live.
  3. You want to e-file your state return, but not your federal return and your resident state is Arkansas, Hawaii, Oklahoma or Oregon.
  4. Your filing status is Married Filing Separately and you live in a state that is subject to community property rules.
  5. Your status is Married Filing Jointly, only one spouse earned income, and you are claiming Child Care Credit. (All three must apply to disqualify you.)
  6. You received a waiver from the IRS.

If you do not qualify, you can still use our program to prepare your return. When it is finished, the program will notify you that it must be printed and mailed.

What states have Community Property laws?

"Community Property" refers to a system governing spousal ownership of property and income in the following states. Residents of these states cannot file electronically if they are married and filing separately.

Community Property States
Arizona Louisiana Texas
California Nevada Washington
Idaho New Mexico Wisconsin

Since I don't qualify for electronic filing, why am I still charged for my return?

You are charged the amount shown on the home page for the preparation of your return by our system. Electronic filing is included for qualified returns at no additional cost.

I only want to file my federal tax return electronically. How do I do this?

To electronically file the federal tax return without the state, you must answer No to the question, "Do you want to file your state tax return electronically (if applicable)?" This question is located on the Filing Options page which is the first step on the Steps to File page.

I don't have an e-mail address. Can I still use your service?

No. We require you to give us an e-mail address if you plan to use our program to prepare your return. An e-mail address is part of the information needed to complete the Refund Anticipation Loan (RAL). In addition, our program uses your e-mail address to advise you if your return has been accepted or rejected by the IRS for electronic filing. We also use your e-mail address to send you special notifications that might impact your return.

You may acquire a free e-mail address from several online services such as Hotmail, Yahoo, Lycos, and many others.