We are currently working on the 2020 calculations.  Once this is complete you will be able to prepare 2020 and 2019 returns in the Practice Lab.

Reminder:  Your Practice Lab login is not a valid login for the site you typically volunteer and prepare returns and vice versa, the login you typically use to prepare taxpayer returns is not valid for the Practice Lab.

What does this mean at my production site where I typically prepare returns?

Once we push TaxSlayer 2020,the welcome page will default to TaxSlayer 2020.  You will still have access to create new returns and edit existing returns for TaxSlayer 2019, TaxSlayer 2018, TaxSlayer 2017, and TaxSlayer 2016 at your site.

Can I create returns in TaxSlayer 2020 at my production site where I typically preparer returns?

No, you will only be able to create new returns for TaxSlayer 2020 with your Practice Lab username.  We are currently scheduled to turn on the ability to Start a New Return at your production site on January 18th (subject to change).

Will all of the 2020 updated tax law changes be available?

No, as the IRS releases final instructions and forms, we will be updating the PL 2020.

When will 2020 states be available?

2020 states will not be released until January of 2021.  If you are training on states,  you will need to use PL 2019.

The login page has a new look

The login page has a new, modern look and feel. The same is true for other onboarding pages including Forgot Username/Password, MFA, etc.

2020 is prematurely showing in both the Practice Lab and Production sites.  There are no calculations hooked up to it, so you cannot start a return.  We are working to hide the option until it is ready for delivery on the 10th.

We will be closing support at noon (Eastern time) on Wednesday, November 4th.  We will be opening for our normal offseason support hours on Thursday, November 5th at 8:00am ET.

Update:  We delivered a change to the application that strips the extra spaces in the e-file package to prevent the validation error

 

Validation error:  The ‘http://www.irs.gov/efile:ReasonForFilingAmdReturnTxt’ element is invalid – The value ‘EXPLANATION ENTERED IN APPLICATION DISPLAYS HERE’ is invalid according to its datatype ‘http://www.irs.gov/efile:MediumExplanationType’ – The Pattern constraint failed.

Navigate to the 1040X and edit the explanation and correct the explanation  For electronic purposes, the information must be entered on one continual line without extra spaces or line returns. See the examples below:

 

Update 10/01/2020:  You can now send your 1040X returns.  If you attempted to send a 1040X return prior to today, please resend it.  

Note:   If the return was filed and IRS accepted at your site, the status on the client list, will remain as “accepted”.  You will see that the return was sent via the client status.  If you are sending from the submission page, you will also see a message that states your 1040X return was electronically sent.

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We have discovered an issue that is preventing the 1040X from reaching our filing center.  We are working to resolve the issue.  Please hold all 1040X returns until we update this post with a resolution.

Note:  If you  have sent 1040X transmissions since we turned them on Thursday morning, you will need to resend the 1040X electronically once a resolution is in place.

 

The 1040X has been activated for electronic filing for TaxSlayer 2019.

Steps for electronically filing the 1040X:

• Add the 1040X to the return and complete it as normal
• Navigate to the e-file section
• Make sure the federal return is marked for an electronic file type.
  • Originally accepted at your VITA/TCE site: Federal Return Type will already be an electronic file type
  • Originally accepted via another avenue: If the taxpayer is getting a refund, select E-file Mail Check as the taxpayer cannot receive a direct deposit with a 1040X
  • Originally accepted via another avenue: If the taxpayer owes money, select E-file Mail Payment as the taxpayer will have to mail the payment
• Expand the Amended Return Information menu

 

 

 

• • Click yes
  • Defaults to “no”

• Complete all other required information for electronic filing
• Transmit Amended return

 

 

• • Transmit from the Submission page – or  –
  • Transmit from the Transmission menu

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Frequently Asked Questions?

Q: What years can I electronically file a 1040X?

A:  2019 and forward

Q:  What does it mean if my 1040X is rejected for the primary SSN already being on file?

A:  Most likely the taxpayer completed the EIP tool on IRS.gov or their return was electronically filed and was classified as an EIP return.

Q:  Can I electronically file a 1040X if the original 1040 was filed via paper?

A:  No, the IRS MeF system must have an accepted 1040 return on file

Q:  Did my site have to submit the original 1040 electronically to file the 1040X electronically?

A:  No, however the return must be an accepted 1040 return on file in their MeF system.

Q:  How do I file a 1040X electronically if I did not prepare and file the original return

A:  You will follow the same procedures you have in place if a taxpayer comes to you wanting you to prepare a 1040X.  You need to verify that they electronically filed the original return and you are inputting the return as it was originally accepted.

Q:  If the taxpayer is getting additional money back, how will it be received?

A:  Via paper check

Q: If the taxpayer owes money on the amended return, can they use Direct Debit to make the payment?

A: With 2020 TaxSlayer Pro, the option to include Direct Debit info with the e-filed amended return will be available. With 2019, taxpayers must still mail their payment to the IRS.

Q: Can I electronically file a 1040X for a Nonresident return 1040-NR?

A: No, the IRS is only accepting 1040-X e-files from the 1040 and 1040-SR at this time.

 

Known Issues

• The Amended Return Information menu displays on the e-file page even if a 1040X has not been added to the return.  Even if the preparer selects “Yes” it will not send anything.

 

 

 

I wanted to provide you with an important update on the new Pro Online e-file process.

While we have been working diligently to finish the process of completely replacing the Pro Online e-file process for the 2020 tax year it has become clear that we must delay the release of the new e-file process until the 2021 tax year.  We have completed the majority of the views and wired much of the backend together, however, there is still a lot of business logic we must support for all of our partners.  For that reason, we have made the decision to protect the integrity and accuracy of the 2020 tax return processing season by leaving our tried and true e-file process in place for one more year.  We will pick back up on the new e-file process early during 2021 to ensure and smooth and successful transition to the next generation of Pro Online e-file.

This allows us to roll out the new requirements for 1040X e-file and us to concentrate on the anticipated changes that will be required to accommodate the CARES act.

TaxSlayer VITA/TCE support will be closed on Wednesday, September 23rd from 8:00am – 9:30am ET for a division meeting. Normal off-season support hours will resume at 9:30am ET.