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Federal input screens

Screen ELF - Electronic Filing (1040)

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Overview

note
  • Refer to the General and input screen-specific topics for electronic returns for data-entry guidelines to prevent electronic filing rejections.
  • Caution:
     If you have overridden a field or forced a form to print, that override may cause the IRS to reject an electronically filed return.
    The Force Form to Print option is available while in form view. Select
    Edit
    ,
    Overrides
     then
    Force Form to Print
    .
  • If you are licensed for UltraTax/1040 Client Organizer, there are fields available on the Organizer ELF screen. Clients can designate whether they would like to have their return electronically filed if there is a refund or if the refund equals or exceeds a designated amount. They can also indicate their interest in using an electronic funds withdrawal (direct debit) to pay for their tax liability. Although UltraTax CS does not mark any fields automatically based on these entries, diagnostics are automatically generated if the
    File this return electronically
     box is not marked or if there is balance due for an electronic return but an electronic funds withdrawal has not been designated.

General Information

Use this screen only if you intend to file this return or extension electronically.
File this return electronically
Enter
X
 if you intend to file this return electronically. UltraTax CS automatically enters
X
 when the electronic file is created or checked for errors using the File > Print Returns dialog.
note
  • Proforma:
     If you do not want to proforma this box, clear the
    File the return electronically (ELF screen)
     box in the
    Setup
    ,
    1040 Individual
    ,
    Other Return Options
     then
    Proforma
     tab.
  • If you want this box marked on new clients, mark the
    File the return electronically (ELF screen)
     box in the Setup > 1040 Individual > New Client Options > Other group box.
Suppress the creation of: State electronic file...
Enter
X
 to suppress the creation of all state and local electronic files when filing the federal return extension electronically. This will suppress the state electronic file for all states attached to this return.
To suppress all electronic files for a specific state, select
Setup
 then
Office Configuration
 and select the E-Filing tab. Select
States
. Clear the box next to any state you do not want to file electronically. You may also suppress a state individually within a client by marking the
Suppress (state) electronic file...
 field on the state ELF screen.
Suppress the creation of: Federal electronic file...
Enter
X
 to suppress the creation of the federal electronic file when filing a state return extension electronically. This will suppress the federal electronic file and cause only the state electronic file(s) to be created for those states that support state-only filing.
Suppress the creation of: Both federal and state electronic files
Enter
X
 to suppress UltraTax CS from creating any electronic file. Returns print
without
 any corresponding electronic file forms, including Form 8453.
note
This field does not affect the creation of the FinCEN Form 114 electronic file. To suppress the creation of the FinCEN Form 114 electronic file, enter
X
 in the
Account owner is filing FinCEN Form 114
 field on the 114 screen in the Foreign Bank & Asset folder.
Email notification when electronically filed return is accepted by taxing agency
Enter
1
 (Return) for taxpayers whose email addresses were entered in Setup > Client Communications prior to creating the electronic file. When the return is accepted, a notification will be emailed to the taxpayer. When FinCEN Form 114 is electronically filed and accepted, a separate notice will be emailed to the taxpayer.
This field will automatically enter
1
 (Return) for all clients when
Always
 is selected for
Automatically mark Email ELF Ack: When
 in Setup > Client Communications > ELF Options.
This field will automatically enter
1
 (Return) for all clients with email addresses when
Email address entered
 is selected for
Automatically mark Email ELF Ack: When
 in Setup > Client Communications > ELF Options.
Due to the variety of spam-blocking mechanisms in many email clients, automated messages may be prevented from reaching their intended recipients. If the recipient does not receive an email notification, have the recipient search their spam or junk folder, if available.
Preparer notes
Enter additional information or explanations to include within the electronic file.
note
  • Text entered in the
    General footnote
     statement in the 1040 screen will automatically be included in the electronic file and should not be duplicated here.
  • Do not enter election explanations in this section. UltraTax CS automatically enters any election explanations in the electronic file based on entries in the Elect screen.
Regulatory explanation
Use this statement to enter any explanation required by IRS regulations.
note
Do not enter election explanations in this section. UltraTax CS automatically enters any election explanations in the electronic file based on data entered in the Election Statements section in the Letter screen.
Preparation time spent out of the software for this return
If known, enter the amount of time (in minutes) that you worked on the return
outside
 of UltraTax CS. All time, including within and outside of the software, is included in the electronic file in accordance with IRS security requirements.
Requested payment date
This is a required entry to generate the e-file electronic funds withdrawal (direct debit) payment in the Form 1040 electronic file. Only use this field to generate the Form 1040 electronic funds withdrawal for balance due returns. Fields are available to generate an extension electronic funds withdrawal in the Extension Information section of this screen. If this field is blank, UltraTax CS does not generate an e-file form payment for the return.
Electronic filing allows electronic filers with a balance due to authorize a direct transfer from their checking or savings account. This feature allows electronic filers the option of filing early and setting a date no later than the due date of the return, or the date the return is filed for extended returns, for automatic payment of the balance due. UltraTax CS will generate an Electronic Funds Withdrawal payment record to serve as a reminder of the electronic funds withdrawal.
note
  • In addition to entering the requested payment date, you must also enter the
    primary
     bank account information in the Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Withdrawal Information section of the Bank screen.
  • A phone number must also be entered in the
    Daytime telephone number
     field in the Taxpayer Information section of the 1040 screen for electronic funds withdrawal.
  • If the payment date requested is a weekend or bank holiday, the payment will be withdrawn on the next business day.
  • If you're filing a return after the original deadline, you can't enter a date that's after the date you transmit the return to the agency.
  • While the taxing agency won’t withdraw the payment before the requested date, they may withdraw it after. Regardless of the date the state actually processes the payment, they’ll consider it timely if you request the withdrawal date and submit the e-file on or before the due date.
  • The state return won’t default to electronically withdraw payments if an EFW request is present on the federal return.
  • For returns with disaster relief: If you file a return before the original due date and the disaster relief due date is after the original due date, the EFW requested payment date can't be later than the original due date.
Amount of tax payment (Force)
UltraTax CS default for the amount of tax payment being made through electronic funds withdrawal is the balance due on the federal tax return, including failure-to-pay and failure-to-file penalties and interest. If only a partial payment of the balance due is being made through electronic funds withdrawal, enter the amount of payment in this field. You should not enter an amount in excess of the tax balance due, including failure-to-pay and failure-to-file penalties and interest.
Suppress electronic funds withdrawal
Enter
X
 for balance due returns with primary bank account information entered in the Bank screen to suppress paying the balance due by electronic funds withdrawal.
Electronic funds withdrawal for estimated tax by quarter
Electronic filers can designate an electronic funds withdrawal on their designated bank account for one or more estimated tax payments to be filed with either the return or extension. In the appropriate
Electronic funds withdrawal for estimated tax by quarter
 field, enter
1
 for Return or
2
 for Extension to have the estimated taxes withdrawn for that quarter. The electronic funds withdrawal date is the required due date of each estimate. The IRS does not allow you designate them.
note
In addition to entering the requested electronic funds withdrawal estimate, you must also enter the following information.
  • The
    Primary account
     information must be entered in the Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Withdrawal Information section of the Bank screen in the General folder.
  • A phone number must be entered in the
    Daytime telephone number
     field in the Taxpayer Information section of the 1040 screen in the General folder.
Treat code 2 calculated amounts as paid, and transfer to the Est screen,
2026
 Estimates paid field(s)
When you enter code
2
 in any of the
Electronic funds withdrawal for estimated tax by quarter
 fields, the corresponding
Calculated amounts
,
1st
 through
4th
 fields populate only after the extension electronic file has been created.
Enter
X
 to transfer the calculated amounts to the applicable Est screen,
2026
 Estimates paid
 field. For any unpaid quarters, the transfer will also update the
No. of
2026
 vouchers desired
 field in the Est screen.
note
To have UltraTax CS print the text “Paid” on the Estimate Filing Instructions, select Setup > 1040 Individual > Other Return Options > Client Documents and mark
Print “Paid” next to payments indicated as paid on Screen Est
.
Calculated amounts
When you enter code
2
 in any of the
Electronic funds withdrawal for estimated tax by quarter
 fields, UltraTax CS will populate the corresponding
Calculated amounts
,
1st
 through
4th
 fields only after the extension electronic file has been created.
The amounts in these fields are not used in any calculations. To transfer the calculated amounts from the ELF screen to the Est screen,
2026
 Estimates paid
 fields, enter
X
 in the field
Treat code 2 calculated amounts as paid, and transfer to the Est screen,
2026
 Estimates paid field(s)
. For any unpaid quarters, the transfer will also update the
No. of
2026
 vouchers desired
 field in the Est screen.
note
You cannot enter amounts in these fields. To enter estimate amounts that are different from the amounts reported here, use the Est screen,
2026
 Estimates paid
 fields.
Non-paid preparer designation
If the return was prepared or reviewed as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program, select the designation from the fieldview and it will replace the paid preparer information in the electronic file with the designation selected. For more information on these programs, see the IRS website.
note
  • To otherwise indicate the return is prepared by a non-paid preparer, choose File > Client Properties, and choose (Personal Preparer Block).
Imperfect return indicator...
Enter
X
 (with taxpayer consent) to elect to bypass business rules SEIC-F1040-501-02, R0000-504-02, and F1040SSPR-504-02. These business rules signify dependent information entered that does not match the IRS master file. By making this election, certain credits or exemptions may be disallowed, and return processing (including refund disbursement) may be delayed four to six weeks.
Superseded return
The IRS allows electronic filing of superseded returns for Form 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-SS, 1040-PR, and 1040-NR.
  • Mark the Superseded return box on Screen ELF. This will allow the superseded return to be filed electronically with the IRS.
  • For Form 1040, 1040-SR, and 1040-NR returns, superseding requires Form 1040-X. Complete data entry in Screen Amend in the Separate Filings folder.
  • For Form 1040-SS and 1040-PR returns, superseding requires Screen Amend in the Separate Filings folder, enter a date, and explanation in the statement, for the Corrected Form 1040-SS or 1040-PR explanation of changes and date corrected.
  • Superseded state returns are not supported for electronic filing.
Taxpayer name control (Force)
Use this field to correct IRS Master File rejection business rule R0000-500-01, using the name control obtained from the IRS.
Spouse name control (Force)
Use this field to correct IRS Master File rejection business rule R0000-503-02, using the name control obtained from the IRS.
Other bank product
If the taxpayer has entered into a private agreement with a financial institution other than Refund Advantage or EPS Financial to use a tax refund bank product for this return, select the product from the fieldview, then select the disbursement type in the
Disbursement
 field. The financial institution's account information must also be entered in the Bank screen.
note
  • Refer to IRS Publication 1345 for IRS electronic filing requirements regarding direct deposit.
  • To suppress the other bank product for state returns, enter
    X
     in the
    Suppress direct deposit of refund
     field in the state's Bank screen.
Disbursement
If the taxpayer has entered into a private agreement with a financial institution other than Refund Advantage or EPS Financial to use a tax refund bank product for this return, select the disbursement type from the fieldview, as well as the product type in the
Other bank product
 field. The financial institution's account information must also be entered in the Bank screen.

Extension Information

File extension electronically
If you intend to file Form 4868 or Form 2350 electronically, select
4868
 or
2350
. UltraTax CS automatically selects the appropriate entry when the extension's electronic file is created or checked for errors using the File > Print Extensions dialog. You cannot electronically file extensions if the taxpayer or spouse received an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), per the IRS.
note
In addition to completing the
File extension electronically
 field, you must also select the appropriate extension in the
Calculate extension
 field in the Ext screen. For Form 2350 extensions or Form 4868 extensions with electronic funds withdrawal (direct debit), use the PIN screen to complete the required PIN data.
Overseas extension explanation
Use this statement to describe how the taxpayer meets the requirements for the additional two-month extension granted for being overseas. Data entry in this statement will enter
X
 in the
Out of the country on 4/15/
2026
 field on the Ext screen.
note
  • If you enter X in the
    Out of the country on 4/15/
    2026
     field on the Ext screen, the election text for Extension of time to file pursuant to Regulation 1.6081-5(a) will automatically print, and data entry in this statement is not required
  • When filing Form 1040SS or Form 1040PR this field can be used to explain the taxpayer was a bona fide resident of American Samoa, the CNMI, Guam, or the USVI to qualify for the additional 2 month extension.
Electronic funds withdrawal for extensions requested payment date
This is a required entry to generate the e-file electronic funds withdrawal (direct debit) payment for the Form 4868 or 2350 extension electronic file. Only use this field to generate the Form 4868 or 2350 electronic funds withdrawal. If this field is blank, UltraTax CS does not generate an e-file form payment.
Electronic filing allows electronic filers with a balance due to authorize a direct transfer from their checking or savings account. This feature allows electronic filers the option of filing early and setting a date no later than the due date of the return for automatic payment of the extension balance due. UltraTax CS will generate a Payment Record to serve as a reminder of the electronic funds withdrawal.
note
  • In addition to entering the requested payment date, you must also enter the
    primary
     bank account information in the Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Withdrawal Information section of the Bank screen.
  • A phone number must also be entered in the
    Daytime telephone number
     field in the Taxpayer Information section of the 1040 screen for electronic funds withdrawal.
File state extension electronically, for states that allow electronic extensions
Enter
X
 if you intend to file the applicable state extensions electronically. For applicable states, UltraTax CS automatically enters
X
 in this field when the extension's electronic file is created or checked for errors using the File > Print Returns dialog.

Form 8948 - Paper Filing Exceptions

If a preparer is not subject to the preparer electronic filing mandate due to a lack of volume, mark the box in the Electronic filing mandate section on Setup > Office Configuration > E-Filing. Tax return preparers considered to be non-specified do not have to file Form 8948 for paper filed returns.
Taxpayer(s) choose(s) to file the federal return on paper
Enter
X
 if taxpayers choose to file their return on paper. The Taxpayer Opt-Out E-filing Declaration will print with Form 8948 when this box is marked.
IRS error reject code (ERC): ERC number
The IRS issues an Error Reject Code (ERC) when a return is rejected by the IRS. An example of a master file rejection by the IRS is business rule SEIC-F1040-501-02. We provide several self-assistance options to help you address electronic filing errors.
Once you retrieve the acknowledgements, to see IRS rejections, choose
Utilities
>
Electronic Filing Status
, double select the client to expand the tree, and select the ellipsis button Ellipsis button in the Comment column to display the business rule numbers and text.
Sample ERC: Problem SEIC-F1040-501-02: Schedule EIC - Qualifying SSN of Schedule EIC and the corresponding Qualifying Child Name Control must match data from the IRS Master File.
note
More than one ERC can be issued for a return but only one ERC needs to be reported when filing Form 8948.
Application error reject code (ERC): ERC number
To access the E-File Error Report, choose File > Print Returns, select the Tax Return option, mark the
Create electronic file
 box in the Print what group box, and select the Check E-File, E-File, Print, or Spool buttons. In the Error Code column on the E-File Error Report, find the error that cannot be resolved. Enter the error that cannot be resolved in this field. For example, enter F1099R-499-02. Note that we provide several self-assistance options to help you address electronic filing errors.
Number of attempts to electronically file this return
Enter the number of attempts made to electronically file the return. You must have at least made one attempt.
Other circumstance preventing this return from being electronically filed
Use the statement to enter any explanation of a circumstance that prevents this return from being electronically filed.
Forms not supported for electronic filing by UltraTax CS
Enter the appropriate form number in this field if the return contains a form not allowed to be electronically filed by the IRS.
Suppress Form 8948
Enter
X
 to suppress the printing of Form 8948 so the electronic file can be created or checked for errors. If you enter waiver information in Setup > Office Configuration > Preparers > Electronic Filing mandate > Exceptions, Form 8948 will print with all clients. You may elect to suppress the printing of Form 8948 on a client-by-client basis.
Print Executor signature block
When the Taxpayer Opt-Out E-filing Declaration is printing for a decedent return, enter
X
 in this field to print an executor signature block in the Taxpayer Opt-Out E-filing Declaration.

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