Define global options for electronic filing of returns
To configure electronic filing of returns, you 1st need to define global options that apply to all clients. These include:
- Filing all returns using a single EFIN or several EFINs.
- States to create electronic files for when you create the federal files.
- Practitioner PIN, default Self-Select PIN option, or automatically generate a PIN.
- Participation in Refund Advantage bank products.
- File this return electronicallycheckbox proforma'd or marked for all new clients.
- Print options for the facsimile of Form 9325.
- Email notifications.
The 1st time you start UltraTax CS, take the following steps.
tip
If your firm has multiple installations of UltraTax CS or multiple file locations, there are other issues to for you to address.
- SelectSetup, thenOffice Configuration.noteYou might need to enter the master password. This is specified by going toSetup, thenSecurity.
- Select theE-Filingtab.
- Choose how you want to use EFINs:
- If you're filing electronic returns using 1 EFIN, selectAll returns in this office will file using EFINand enter the 6-digit, IRS-assigned EFIN.
- If you're using different EFINs, selectSeveral EFINs are being used.noteYou'll also need to assign EFINs to each preparer. On thePreparerstab, selectAddorEditfor each preparer, enter the EFIN, and selectOK.
noteTo make sure EFINs are assigned, go toFile,Client Propertiesand choose thePreparerbefore you mark theFile this return electronicallycheckbox on theELFscreen. - SelectStates.
- If you've not received approval from a state or you want to suppress the creation of all electronic files for a given state, clear the checkbox next to that state.noteThe choices you make here affect electronic returns for all entities. There are several options for suppressing state electronic returns.
- SelectDone.
- SelectERO.noteThe default ERO information comes from the licensed firm information.
- To enter other information for the ERO, selectUse alternate ERO informationand enter information for the Alternate ERO.noteIf you are using multiple EFINs, enter any alternate ERO information for each EFIN individually.
- To use the Practitioner Personal Identification Number (PIN) option rather than the Self-Select PIN option, mark thePractitioner PIN Program filercheckbox.
- To generate the taxpayer's PIN automatically, mark theAutomatically generate taxpayer(s) PINcheckbox.InoteIf the taxpayer consents to using a PIN generated by UltraTax CS, you'll need 1 of the following from the client:
- A signed Form 8879, IRS e-file Signature Authorization before you transmit the return.
- A signed Form 8878, IRS e-file Signature Authorization for Application for Extension of Time To File, before you transmit an extension.
If the taxpayer doesn't consent to using the PIN generated by UltraTax CS, aSuppress automatic PIN generationfield is available in the PIN screen. - To generate the signature date automatically, mark theAutomatically generate signature datecheckbox.noteBy doing this you will use the system date when you enter a PIN on thePINscreen.
- SelectDone, thenDoneagain.
- SelectSetup, then1040 Individual.
- SelectOther Return Options.
- To automatically mark theFile this return electronicallycheckbox for proforma'd clients on the 1st time in the client, mark theFile the return electronically if not marked for e-file in the prior year (Screen ELF)checkbox on theOthertab.
- To print Form 8453 filing instructions for all indicated attachments, mark theList all indicated attachments in Form 8453 Filing Instructionscheckbox in theOthertab.noteBy default, Form 8453 filing instructions are printed with Form 8453 for document attachments indicated in Form 8453 - Paper Document Attachments section of the ELF screen as code 3 (Yes, in taxpayer's possession). This is useful when you send Form 8453 when you request certain documents from your client before mailing Form 8453.
- To print the taxpayer's address left justified on the facsimile of Form 9325, mark thePrint Form 9325 taxpayer mailing address left-justifiedcheckbox in theOther groupbox on theReturn Presentationtab.noteIn accordance with the IRS form design, the taxpayer's address is right-justified when the facsimile of Form 9325 is printed.
- SelectOK.
- SelectNew Client Options.
- Decide if you want to mark theFile the return electronicallycheckbox automatically on theELFscreen:
- Mark theFile the return electronically (Screen ELF)checkbox in theOther groupbox to automatically mark theFile this return electronicallycheckbox on theELFscreen for new clients.
- Clear theFile the return electronically (Screen ELF)checkbox if you don't want this checkbox marked automatically. You'll then need to mark theFile this return electronicallycheckbox on theELFscreen for each client you want to file electronically.
- To automatically print PIN forms for all new clients who electronically file returns before completing all PIN fields, mark thePrint electronic filing PIN signature forms (Screen PIN)checkbox in theOther groupbox of theNew Client Optionswindow.
- SelectOK.
- To use bank products for 1040 returns:
- SelectSetup,1040 individual, thenBank Products.
- Mark theUse Electronic Refund Disbursement Servicecheckbox.
- Enter the fees, then selectValidateto retrieve Refund Advantage or FEPS Financial enrollment information.
- To automatically enter1(Return)inEmail notification when electronically filed return is accepted by taxing agencyon theELFscreen for all clients with an email address:
- SelectSetup,Client Communications.
- SelectELF / eSign Options.
- SelectEmail address enteredfrom theWhendropdown list in the Automatically mark Email ELF Ack group box.
- SelectOK, thenOKagain.
- SelectOK, thenOKagain.
- If using CS Connect, your electronic filing configuration is complete. SelectOKto close theSystem Configurationwindow.noteIf you use a 3rd-party application vendor to transmit returns, the steps to complete your filing configuration may differ.
You can now begin entering data for the return.