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Submitting the Electronic Return to the IRS

 

Once signed, an ERO must originate the electronic submission of a return as soon as possible. EROs must not electronically file individual income tax returns prior to receiving Forms W-2, W-2G or 1099-R. If the taxpayer is unable to secure and provide a correct Form W-2, W-2G, Certain Gambling Winnings, or 1099-R, Distributions from Pensions, Annuities, Retirement or Profit-Sharing Plans, IRAs, Insurance Contracts, etc., the ERO may electronically file the return after the taxpayer completes Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement or 1099-R, Distributions from Pensions, Annuities, Retirement or Profit-Sharing Plans, IRAs, Insurance Contracts, etc., in accordance with the use of that form. If Form 4852 is used, the non-standard W-2 indicator must be included in the record, and the ERO must maintain Form 4852 in the same manner required for Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099-R.

An ERO must ensure that stockpiling of returns does not occur at its offices. Stockpiling is

  • collecting returns from taxpayers or from another Authorized IRS e-file Provider prior to official acceptance in IRS e-file; or
  • after official acceptance to participate in IRS e-file, stockpiling refers to waiting more than three calendar days to submit the return to the IRS once the ERO has all necessary information for origination

The IRS does not consider returns held prior to the date that it accepts transmission of electronic returns stockpiled. This includes when the IRS is not able to accept specific returns, forms, or schedules until a date later than the start-up of IRS e-file due to constraints such as late legislation, programming issues, etc.  EROs must advise taxpayers that it cannot transmit returns to the IRS until the date the IRS accepts transmission of electronic returns.

Submission of Paper Documents to the IRS

(Updated 11/17/2009)

IRS e-file returns must contain all the same information as returns filed completely on paper. EROs are responsible for ensuring that it submits to the IRS all paper documents required to complete the filing of returns. Attach all appropriate supporting documents that the IRS requires to the Form 8453 and send them to the IRS. Refer to page 2 of Form 8453 for the current mailing address. Below is a list of these supporting documents (Exception: For MeF, refer to What Practitioners Need to Know About Modernized e-File (MeF)):

 State income tax returns in the Federal/State Program often require that paper documents be prepared and forwarded to state tax administration agencies. Be sure to follow each state’s rules when state income tax returns are prepared.

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Page Last Reviewed or Updated: December 13, 2011