To see the process to electronically file (e-file) your return, click Filing on screen. Follow the four steps listed below to ensure your return is filed correctly.
It's your responsibility to ensure that the return has been successfully filed.
You can check the e-file status of your return.
Before beginning the e-file process, print your return and look over your entries. The most common reasons for e-file rejections include misspelled taxpayer or dependent names and transposed numbers in a birth date, Social Security Number (SSN), or Employer Identification Number (EIN).
When reviewing your return, check the following:
After reviewing your return, gather the following before starting the filing process:
If you intend to e-file your state return, complete the state Q&A and review your state return before starting the e-file steps. Some states require the state return to be electronically filed with the federal return.
When you're ready to submit your return, click filing, then click e-file my return on the main filing screen.
On the next screen, check the box next to federal and the applicable state or states. You can e-file more than one state at a time. When e-filing multiple state returns, check the box next to each state you want to e-file.
Complete the interview questions and go to the next step.
The IRS requires all taxpayers e-filing to include an electronic signature. The only other option is to paper-file your return.
Your electronic signature verifies your identity and authorizes your information. You must provide one of the following:
In the filing steps, you'll reach a screen titled E- filing - Prior-Year Information. If you have last year's tax return, choose that option. Next, enter the AGI from that return or enter the PIN you used to file last year.
The IRS will reject your return if your AGI or self- select PIN is incorrect.
See AGI, Self Select PIN, and Electronic Signature for more information and answers to common questions.
After signing your return, complete the remaining interview questions. Complete all of the e-filing steps. Your e-filed return hasn't been submitted until you reach the screen with the Submit E-file button. The next screen should indicate that the return was successfully submitted.
If you see that screen, your return has been received by TaxAct and transmitted to the IRS. That doesn't mean your return was accepted by the IRS. You must still monitor the status of your return
If you don't see a screen indicating that filing has been successful, your return has not been transmitted to the IRS. Click Filing again and repeat the e-file steps.