Prepare electronic returns (including batch processing)
Do the following to ensure that you've entered all data specifically required for electronic returns and to create the electronic file for 1 client or for multiple clients (batch processing).
- Enter the client's tax data as usual, making sure you adhere to the guidelines for entering data.
- SelectViewthenDiagnosticsto review the diagnostic messages in theFederal Diagnosticswindow. Select any item displayed in the window to open the corresponding screen to address the diagnostic message. Verify that you've cleared all Critical and ELF Critical diagnostic messages and have reviewed the FYI diagnostic messages and then close theFederal Diagnosticswindow.
- Select theElectronic Filingfolder to open theELFscreen.
- Complete the applicable signer'sUser IDandPINfields or select the applicable website signers on theELFscreen.note
- If you use the Service Provider Designation option, review the text in the Service Provider Designation section on theELFscreen for information about the Department of Labor (DOL) requirements for filing returns using this option.
- The User ID and PIN should be the final data entry before you create the electronic file. If you enter data on any other input screen after you enter the User ID and PIN, UltraTax CS automatically deletes the data in theUser IDfield and thePINfield.
- SelectFilethenPrint Returnsor selectPrintto open thePrint Returnswindow.
- Mark theGovernment copyand theCreate electronic filecheckboxes.note
- To create the return or check the return for electronic filing errors without printing forms, mark only theGovernment copyandCreate electronic filecheckboxes in thePrint Returnswindow:
- To check for errors without creating the electronic file, selectCheck E-File.
- To check for errors and create the electronic file, selectE-File.
- If you use a third-party application vendor to transmit returns, mark theCreate 3rd Party Efilecheckbox to create the electronic file. The third-party vendor is responsible for checking for errors.
- If you selectedBenefit Plans (EZ)as the type of entity in theClient Propertieswindow, UltraTax CS won't create an electronic file. Form 5500-EZ needs to be submitted on paper to the Internal Revenue Service.
- To create electronic files for multiple clients at the same time, selectClientsand select the appropriate clients.
- SelectPreviewto view the return on screen, or selectPrint(orE-File). When you selectPrevieworPrint, UltraTax CS checks for errors in the electronic file.noteYou'll need to selectPrintorE-Filein thePrint Returnswindow to create the electronic file. If you selectPrint Previewon the toolbar or selectCheck E-FileorPreviewin thePrint Returnswindow, UltraTax CS doesn't generate the electronic file.note
- When UltraTax CS creates electronic files, the application automatically deletes any untransmitted electronic files previously created for the selected clients.
- If you use a third-party application vendor to transmit 5500 returns, UltraTax CS places the electronic file in the location you specified in theSetup,User Preferences, thenFile Locationstab.
- If you use a third-party application vendor to transmit 5500 returns, UltraTax CS creates the electronic file without checking for errors when you print the return. The third-party application vendor checks for errors.
- The Department of Labor (DOL) doesn't require any additional paper forms be filed when electronically filing 5500 returns.