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Approval and filing
Understand the approval process
Approval is the step where you finalize a return and prepare it for filing. When you approve a return for e-filing:
- The system performs a full recompute of the return.
- All diagnostics are re-checked to ensure Critical issues are resolved.
- A billing unit is consumed (if applicable and not already used during printing).
- An electronic file is created and validated.
- If approval is successful, the return becomes visible on theFiling Dashboardand is ready for transmission.
note
Some jurisdictions may only support e-filing. The system will indicate the available options for each jurisdiction.
When you approve a return for paper:
- The system performs a full recompute of the return.
- If approval is successful, the return becomes visible on theFiling Dashboardwith a paper filing status. From there you can print and file the return.
Approve returns
- Open the approval modal:
- From your tax return project, locate theApprove for Filingbutton on either thePrepareorReviewtabs.
- Select to open the approval modal.
- Review available returns:
- The modal displays all jurisdictions and filing types for your return:
- Federal return (Form 1040)
- State returns
- Extensions
- Estimated tax payments
- Returns are categorized as:
- Ready to approve: All preconditions are met; ready to approve.
- Not ready to approve: Issues prevent approval (for example, Critical diagnostics).
- Select filing method:
- For each return, you can choose:
- E-file:Transmit electronically.
- Paper:Print and mail the return from the filing dashboard or using the print option while inside of the tax return.
- Some jurisdictions may only support 1 filing method.
- The system will indicate available options for each jurisdiction.
- Select returns to approve:
- Select each return you want to approve.
- You can approve multiple returns at once (for example, federal and state together).
- Select approve:
- The system will process your approval request, and you'll see a notification indicating success or any errors.
After approval
For e-filed returns:
- A qualified electronic file is created.
- The return appears on theFiling Dashboardwith statusReady to Transmit.
- You can view the e-file XML to verify contents.
- The return must be transmitted to the taxing authority and receive anAcceptedstatus to complete the filing successfully.
For paper-filed returns:
- The return is marked as approved for paper filing.
- The return appears on theFiling Dashboard.
- You can print the return for mailing.
E-file approval preconditions
Before a return can be selected for e-filing approval, the following conditions must be met:
- Critical diagnostics are resolved.
- E-filing is enabled for the jurisdiction and filing type.
- The e-file is open (filing season has started).
- The return is not already in queue, transmitted or accepted (unless you are filing an amended return).
- A billing unit is available (if applicable).
- Your EFIN is verified.
If any precondition is not met, the return will be marked
Not Ready
and you'll need to address the issues before approval.This article applies to:
- Product: CoCounsel
- Audiences: Tax professionals
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E-filing in Ready to Review
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