Tax preparation: Diagnostics

Diagnostics are automated checks that identify issues, errors, or missing information in the tax return. The Tax Preparer Agent identifies diagnostics and provides step-by-step guidance to help you resolve them.
important
Ready to Review uses the GoSystem Tax back end for diagnostics, file rejects, and XML validation errors. GoSystem Tax resolution steps apply to Ready to Review.
Diagnostic categories
:
Ready to Review organizes diagnostics into
5 categories
based on severity and filing requirements:
  1. Electronic Filing - Rejects (Critical)
    1. Must be resolved before the return can be e-filed.
    2. These are errors that will cause the IRS or state to reject the return.
    3. Examples: Missing SSN, invalid filing status, incorrect dependent information.
  2. E-file XML Validation Errors (Critical)
    1. Must be resolved before the return can be e-filed.
    2. Technical errors in the e-file XML structure.
    3. Examples: Data format errors, missing required fields for e-filing.
  3. Severe (Recommended)
    1. Strongly recommended resolving before filing.
    2. It may indicate significant calculation errors or missing information.
    3. It could result in filing delays or IRS inquiries.
    4. Examples: Large calculation discrepancies or missing required forms.
  4. Electronic Filing - Alerts (Recommended)
    1. Recommended reviewing before filing.
    2. Warnings about potential issues that may not prevent filing but should be addressed.
    3. Examples: Unusual deductions, potential optimization opportunities.
  5. Informational
    1. FYI items that don't require action.
    2. Provide helpful information or suggestions.
    3. Don't prevent filing.
    4. Examples: Potential deductions, alternative filing strategies, general guidance.
Critical versus recommended versus informational
:
  • Critical diagnostics
    : Tax professionals must resolve it (electronic filing - rejects and e-file XML validation errors) before electronic filing.
  • Recommended diagnostics
    : Tax professionals should carefully review and address it (severe and electronic filing - alerts) to ensure accuracy and avoid potential issues.
  • Informational diagnostics
    : Provide guidance and optimization suggestions but don't require resolution.

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