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How do I e-file a return in SureFire?

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📊 Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Run Diagnostics and fix e-file errors

Use this to make sure your return is ready to e-file.

Click the Run Diagnostics button.

Correct any errors that SureFire finds.

Step 2: Create an e-file (when the return is open)

Use this when you already have the return open in SureFire.

Click the E-file button.

If the return includes a state, the Select E-files dialog box will open allowing you to select the e-file(s) you want to create.

Note: SureFire enables the E-file button only when Diagnostics reveals no electronic filing errors.

Click OK.

Step 3: Create an e-file (from a closed return)

Use this when the return is closed.

Click the Tools menu and click Make e-files.

Click OK.

Select the returns for which you want to create an e-file by selecting its corresponding check box.

Note: To select multiple returns, simply select their respective check boxes. If you want to select all of the returns on the list, click the Select All button below the list of returns.

Click OK.

Step 4: Transmit your e-files

Use this to send your created e-files to the IRS/state.

Click the Communications menu and select Send Federal/State Returns to...

Click OK.

Select the returns to send by doing one of the following:

• Select one or more returns by selecting the check box for each return individually.
• To select all returns, click the Select All button.

You can also search your list of created e-files for a particular SSN by entering the SSN in the SSN box.

Click Send.

Step 5: Review and print the E-file Submission Report

Use this to confirm what was sent and keep a paper trail.

Verify the returns included in the E-file Submission Report are the returns you want to send and the names and refund amounts look correct.

Click the Print button to print a paper copy.

Note: If SureFire does not print the E-file Submission Report, cancel the transmission, correct the printing problem, and start over. You should retain paper copies and use them to match with the corresponding IRS acknowledgments for these returns. This provides a paper trail for each e-filed return.

Step 6: Close the preview dialog and confirm sending

Use this to finalize the transmission decision.

Close the preview dialog box.

Do one of the following:

Click No to cancel the transmission

Click Yes to send the returns

Click Close.

Note any messages in the Session information section of the dialog box.

Step 7: Understand session messages

Use this to interpret what happened during the session.

Notes:

There was no mail to toss indicates there were no acknowledgment or e-mail messages to download. Incoming mail file indicates that mail or acknowledgment files were downloaded. The session was successful indicates that you successfully connected to the EFC.

The IRS may take up to 48 hours to acknowledge the files you just transmitted.

Step 8: Finish the session

Use this to handle success or failure.

Do one of the following:

If the communication was unsuccessful, click Connect to try again.

If the session was successful, click Close.

If the transmission was not successful and you want to try again later, click Close

Step 9: If needed, retransmit or unbatch

Use this when you need to resend the batch or separate the e-files.

Do one of the following:

Re-send the transmittal by clicking Retransmit Batch.

Unbatch your e-files by clicking Unbatch.

Note: When you unbatch your e-files from the transmittal file, you should start the transmission process again at step 1.

Tags: federal,form