When e-file diagnostics are present in a return, but those diagnostics are believed to be irrelevant or erroneous, there's an option to disable the e-file diagnostic error checking.
Examples of irrelevant or erroneous e-file diagnostics include:
- Diagnostics related to the return, when only the extension is ready to be e-filed (or vice versa).
- Diagnostics related to states that aren't ready to be filed.
- Diagnostics related to state returns that won't be e-filed.
- If a critical diagnostic triggered in error due to a program defect.
This process allows e-filing in Lacerte; if the e-file diagnostics are valid and relevant, the return may be rejected by the taxing authority.
Follow these steps to disable the e-file error checking system:
- Select the Clients tab (to view the list of your clients).
- Select the Client file.
- Select E-File.
- Select E-file Support Tools.
- Select Disable E-file Error.
- Select OK to open the information window E-file diagnostic error Checking has been disabled.
Follow these steps to send the e-file after the e-file diagnostics have been disabled:
- Select the Client file.
- Select E-file.
- Select Step 2, Start e-File Return Wizard.
- Go through the e-file wizard to send the return.
If there are multiple returns with erroneous or irrelevant diagnostics, you should go through the disable e-file error process separately before e-filing each one.
Additional notes:
- After each return is transmitted, error-checking is automatically enabled. It only affects one e-file event at a time.
- The e-file error checking will also be enabled automatically after a period of time if a return isn't transmitted immediately, or if the client file is opened before transmission.
- Disabling e-file error checking doesn't always result in a successful e-file transmission. The transmission can still fail. Make sure to review the details within your reject message if this occurs.