Submit a 1040 return for e-filing
Submit a completed 1040 return electronically to the IRS for faster processing and confirmation of receipt.
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- A completed 1040 return ready to file
- Your Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN)
- ELF administrator permissions to batch returns
- Taxpayer authorization to e-file
Use this procedure when you're ready to submit a 1040 return electronically to the IRS. E-filing provides faster processing and confirmation of receipt compared to paper filing.
- Go to .
- Select theReturnworksheet and turn onFederal.
- Enter yourEFIN.
- Go toSignature Authorization.
- Select your signature option:
- Form 8879 - Practitioner PIN
- Self-select PIN
- Select who entered the PIN.importantIf you selectTaxpayer/spouseandSelf-select PIN, Form 8879 won't print. Keep the signed Form 8879 for 3 years and don't send it to the IRS.
- Enter the PINs and the date you entered them into the system.
- Go to .
- SelectGenerate Validation File.
- When the process completes, go to .
- Review items related toElectronic Filingand correct any data entry errors.
- Perform a full recompute and review any new e-file diagnostics.Repeat this step until no e-file diagnostics appear.
- Check theE-file Statuscolumn to make sure your return is ready.The status shows one of the following messages:
- XML file is created - Return is 'Qualified means the e-file created without errors.
- XML is created but NOT qualified - Diag needs to be cleared means you have errors to fix.
- XML is created but NOT qualified - Please clear all vali.errors means you have validation errors to resolve.
- Go to .tipYou need ELF administrator permissions to batch returns. If you don't see these options, contact your firm administrator.
- Select your account, tax year, and tax type.
- Selecte-File TypeasReturn.
- Select whether the returns areFederal Ready to Sendand/orStates/Cities ready to send: All States/Cities.
- SelectContinue.
- SelectSubmit for e-file.Your returns are processed and sent to the IRS. The status showsAwaiting Acknowledgmentuntil the IRS accepts or rejects the return.
To check your e-file status, go to .
