IRS EFile FAQs - General
How quickly can I get my tax refund?
To check the progress of your current year's tax refund, call 1-800-829-4477 and use the refund status option offered on the TeleTax system. Some tax refunds may be delayed because of compliance reviews to ensure that returns are accurate.
If you efile a complete and accurate tax return and you are due a federal tax refund, you should receive your tax refund:
- Within several days via Refund Anticipation Loan (RAL) if you qualify and use electronic filing
- Within 2 weeks after the acknowledgment date if you use electronic filing, and you elect to receive your refund via Direct Deposit.
- Within 4 weeks after the acknowledgment date if you use electronic filing, and you receive your refund via U.S. Mail.
- Within 6 weeks from the date the IRS receives your return, if you file via U.S. Mail.
For more specific information regarding anticipated refund dates with electronic filing, see IRS Publication 2043, IRS e-file 2006 Refund Cycle Chart.
When filing electronically, what forms do I mail to the IRS?
The IRS and many states are offering truly paperless filing. If you choose to use this method of filing, you will not be required to mail any forms. You should still print a copy of your tax return for future reference.
See: Signing Your Electronic Return in the Filing Options step of the Steps to File page.
If you do not choose to take advantage of federal paperless filing, you will be required to mail Form 8453-OL to sign your return. If your state does not offer paperless filing, you will be required to mail your state's electronic filing signature form. Filing instructions specific to your state will be included with your printed return.
Note: The IRS no longer requires you to mail your Forms W-2, W-2G, or 1099-R when filing electronically.
State electronic filing forms:
- 8453 - CO, DC, ID, IN, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NM, OH, PA, UT, VA, VT
- 8453-OL - AZ, AL, AR, CT, DE, GA, IA, KY, LA, MS, RI, SC, WI, WV
- Other - MD: EL101; ME: 1040ME-EL, NC: NC-RA, ND: 10F, NY: IT-201-E, OK: 511EF, OR: Form EF
- None - CA, HI, IL, KS, MN, NE, MT
How will I know when I've completed my return?
- If you navigate all the way through your return by pressing the Continue button, you should arrive at the End of Interview Questions page indicating successful completion of the data entry program, and instructions for the next step.
- You can also check your progress by observing the main tabs and the listed categories beneath them. Red checks indicate that the particular section so marked is completed, a red half diamond is an indication of something left to complete in that section.
- To complete the filing process you must click Continue on the End of Interview Questions page or click the Review link at the bottom of any page. This will lead you through the final steps to file your 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?"
- Your return does not qualify for electronic filing.
OR
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.
I am finished entering my tax information. Am I done? Did the program just file my return?
To complete the filing process you must click Continue from the End of Interview Questions page or click the Review link at the bottom of any page. Either one will lead you through the final steps to file your return.
How do I file electronically?
To request electronic filing:
- Click on the "Filing Options" link located within the Other Resources section on the right side of every page.
- 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)?
- Click "Continue" to the Filing Options page.
- 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?
- 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.
- 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.
- On the "Steps to File" page review and print your return (You will be allowed to print your return after completing Step 3).
- If everything is correct and the return is ready to be e-filed, click on "Electronically file" in Step 5.
- Verify the information on the disclosure statements authorizing us to send your return to the taxing authority and click "Continue".
- 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.
What is Paperless Electronic Filing?
If you decide to use paperless electronic filing, the IRS requires you to create your own 5-digit personal identification number (PIN) and enter your prior year Adjusted Gross Income. This creates an electronic signature to allow you to file your return without mailing any paperwork to the IRS.
See: Signing Your Electronic Return in the Filing Options step of the Steps to File page.
Can I use the Refund Anticipation Loan (RAL) if I am receiving an Earned Income Credit?
Yes, a refund resulting from Earned Income Credit is eligible for the Refund Anticipation Loan (RAL).
What is a Self-Select PIN?
A Self-Select PIN is an identification that allows you to electronically file your return without the hassle of signing and mailing a signature form.
The federal Self-Select PIN is a 5-digit number that you personally select.
California and Illinois issue PINs and require that all on-line filers use paperless filing. Maine also issues PINs for electronic / paperless filing, the use of the PIN is optional. The other states either use the Federal PIN, do not require a PIN for paperless filing or do not offer the paperless filing option.
Is it required to check the Check if page is complete box?
While it is not required, we do recommend that you check the box on the pages you have completed.
You can visually check by observing the main tabs and the listed categories beneath them. Red checks indicate that the particular section so marked is completed, a red half diamond is an indication of something left to complete in that section.
Even without using this feature, if you navigate all the way through your return by pressing the Continue button, you should arrive at the End of Interview Questions page indicating successful completion of the data entry program, and instructions for the next step.
Note: To complete the filing process you must click Continue from the End of Interview Questions page or click the Review link at the bottom of any page. This will lead you through the final steps to file your return.
What is the deadline for filing my 2006 individual tax return?
Your federal income tax return must be either submitted for electronic filing or postmarked on or before Monday, April 16, 2006.
When would I enter self-employment adjustments?
Our program automatically calculates self-employment tax from Schedule C, Schedule F, and partnership K-1's (when an amount has been entered in the self-employment box). The Self-Employment Adjustments page is used to adjust the calculated self-employment income or enter income that is entered elsewhere, but is not designated as self-employment income.
I have mailed or electronically filed my tax return and realize I need to correct a mistake or amend my return. What do I do now?
If changes need to be made to your tax return after it has been filed, you will need to prepare and file Form 1040X. Our program does not prepare Form 1040X. Form 1040X instructions can be downloaded here.
(These links require Adobe® Reader®.)
The IRS has accepted my return, but why haven't I heard back from my state?
The states will usually be a few days behind the federal since most states receive your information from the IRS only after the IRS has accepted the return.
I filed a Form 1040A or 1040EZ last year. How do I find last year's AGI?
For Form 1040A your AGI is line 21.
For Form 1040EZ your AGI is line 4.
I filed a joint return last year. Do I have to enter prior year AGI for both the taxpayer and the spouse?
Yes. If you filed a joint return last year you should enter the prior year adjusted gross income in both the taxpayer and spouse fields.
Can I elect not to electronically file my return if I find I owe money instead of getting a refund?
Yes. Our program checks your entries according to the rules and regulations set down by the IRS for electronic filing. Although the rules and regulations differ only slightly from a paper return, our program will help your return conform through specific diagnostics as you enter your information in the interview questions. You may deselect your return for electronic filing any time prior to submitting it to the IRS.
To deselect electronic filing you must:
- Click the Review Return link at the bottom right of any page
- Click Continue until you reach the Steps to File page
- Click Filing Options
- Answer No to the question "Do you intend to file this return electronically?"
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.
Is it safe for me to enter bank information on the Internet?
Absolutely! When transmitting information between you and the program server, data security is handled through a security protocol called Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). SSL is an established and mature Internet security standard with two dominant features: data encryption and web server authentication. Go to the website you used to access the program and review our privacy policy for additional details.
What happens if I file after the IRS deadline? What penalties, if any, will I owe for filing late?
If you owe tax and don't file on time, the combined late-filing (4 1/2%) and late-payment penalty (1/2%) is 5% of the tax owed for each month, or part of a month, that your return is late and the tax is unpaid, up to 25%. The late-filing penalty continues at 1/2% a month up to 25% on unpaid amounts. If your return is over 60 days late, the minimum penalty is the smaller of $100 or 100% of the tax owed.
I wanted a Refund Anticipation Loan (RAL), but I don’t see anything about it in my filing instructions. What happened?
There can be several causes. Please check each of the following:
- The Refund Anticipation Loan (RAL) is only available to electronic filers. In order to verify that you are filing electronically, check the messages in the Tax Return Summary to ensure that your return qualifies for electronic filing. You can access the summary by selecting the Review Return link from the bottom of any page in the program.
- On the Filing Options page, Step 1 on the Steps to File page, verify that you selected Refund Anticipation Loan (RAL) to answer the question, "If your return results in a refund, how do you want to receive your refund?"
- Verify your federal refund amount is greater than the amount you entered in the question, "I only want the Refund Anticipation Loan (RAL) if my refund is more than:" on the Bank Information page just after the Filing Options page.
Will the program calculate self-employment tax on my miscellaneous income?
No. Only the amount entered as other income or as "Other Income (box 3)" will be included as other income on line 21 of your Form 1040.
If you need to have self-employment tax calculated on the income, it should be marked as "Nonemployee compensation" on Form 1099-MISC (box 7) or it should be included as business income in the "Employment" tab.
If you prefer to leave it as miscellaneous income, an alternative option is to make an adjustment to self-employment income. This can be accomplished in the "Employment" tab by answering "Yes" to the question concerning adjustments to self-employment.
Do I need to submit Forms W-2, W-2G or 1099-R if I am filing electronically?
No, the requirement to attach Forms W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, Form W-2G, Certain Gambling Winnings, and Form 1099-R, Distribution From Pensions, Annuities, Retirement or Profit-Sharing Plans, IRAs, Insurance Contract, etc., with the Form 8453-OL, U.S. Individual Income Tax Declaration for an e-file On-Line Return, has been eliminated. However, the IRS advises you to continue to maintain copies of these attachments for your records. If you do not use a Self-Select PIN to sign your tax return, a completed Form 8453-OL should be mailed to the IRS service center where your electronic return was accepted.
What is the optional method of self-employment adjustments?
If you had a low income year, the optional method increases the base for Social Security and may also increase earned income for dependent care and earned income purposes. Your self-employment tax may also be increased using this method.
Can I select any date to have the payment deducted from my account?
Yes, but be advised if you elect to pay your balance due after 04/17/06 you may be subject to interest and penalties.