990 Tracker Guide | E-File Workflow

E-FILE SUBMISSION FEATURES

Icon Glossary

		XML Icon Click this icon to download a copy of the file transmitted to the IRS. The file is in XML format.
		PDF Icon Click this icon to access a PDF copy of the return. The PDF is not transmitted to the IRS.
		Zip File Icon Click this icon to download a zip file of the XML and attachments submitted to the IRS.
		Acknowledgments Icon* Click this icon to download the IRS acceptance or rejection transmissions.

*If your return is rejected, the acknowledgment XML will provide the reason/error code.

★ Click here for a list of states that offer e-filing through C-TRAC.

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E-FILING FEDERAL AND STATE EXTENSIONS

Select the Form 8868 option from the left-hand navigation under the Tax Forms list.

Check the checkbox for the type of extension(s) you need in the Form 8868 view.

On the left navigation panel, click on Tax Forms → Review & File Forms → File Forms

Before the extension can be electronically filed, you must lock the return.

Choose Forms Tab 

Lock the extension file(s) that you are filing and ☑ the e-file checkbox

E-File Attachments Tab

Attach any necessary attachments. (File must be PDF and 60MB or less)

E-file Validation Tab

Before the extension(s) can be transmitted to the IRS/State DOR, they must pass validation. Validation ensures that the extensions contain all the required elements for acceptance.

• Click the Run Validation button to complete this process.

Submission & Status Tab
Click the Submit Form 8868 button to submit the extension to the IRS.

After submitting the extension, the status will show “Submission Pending” on the Choose Forms tab. You will receive an e-mail from the system notifying you that your extension has been transmitted.

Upon acceptance, the status will update to “Accepted” and you will receive an e-mail confirmation of acceptance.

If the extension is rejected, you will receive an e-mail notification with the rejection reason. Click on the IRS acknowledgments icon to view reason(s) for the rejection, correct the errors, and resubmit.

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E-FILING FEDERAL & STATE TAX FORMS

To e-file a form, navigate to the File Forms link located under the Review & File Forms menu in the left-hand navigation panel.

Once the appropriate return is prepared, select the File Forms link and navigate to the Forms tab. 

Choose Forms Tab 

Lock the form(s) that you are e-filing and ☑ the e-file checkbox

E-File Attachments Tab

• Download Form 8453 (or 8879) by clicking on the link. Users electronically filing must complete and attach Form 8453 to be transmitted to the IRS. Form 8879 is not required to be attached for e-file, however, it should be kept for your records.
• The left column includes all state and federal signature forms for returns that you have selected to e-file
• The right column is for attaching other forms that should be included with the respective state and federal forms that you are e-filing
• Each attachment type can be used once except for the "Other" attachment type
  • If you have multiple Foreign Forms of a type, please package them into a single PDF package
• PDF is the only attachment file type supported
• Max file size per attachment is 60MB

E-file Validation Tab

Before the form(s) can be transmitted to the IRS/State DOR, the form(s) must pass validation. This will ensure that the form(s) contains all the required elements for IRS/State DOR acceptance.

• Click the Run Validation button to complete this process.

Submission & Status Tab
Click the Submit Form [form_title] button for each form.

Federal forms will be submitted to the IRS and State forms will be submitted to the proper State Department of Revenue.

Detailed View of Each Screen

Lock Forms and Check Efile

Some states require an additional acknowledgment, click the green icon to open the acknowledgment

Agree and click save on all state-required acknowledgments

Attach form 8453 and any additional files necessary. Each file that you have selected will have its own section for attachments.

Circular 230 Disclosure

To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS, we inform you that any tax advice contained in this software (including any reports or downloads) is not intended or written to be used and cannot be used for the purposes of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) supporting, promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein. This software is for informational purposes only and should not be regarded as tax advice. Please consult your tax advisor or attorney for guidance on your individual tax situation.