Understanding ProSeries Fast Path

Table of contents:

In tax year 2014, we renamed the required service components of your tax software purchase and presented them as a standalone line item on your invoice called Fast Path.

This allowed us to expand access and make improvements to these services, including:

• Year-round e-filing (during all periods the IRS and state agencies are open for e-file)
• Expanded downloads from financial institutions
• U.S.-based technical and product support
• Access to software downloads
• Training content
• Data conversion services
• eSignature, Intuit Link, and Audit Assistance

Fast Path is automatically included as part of your ProSeries annual renewal.

If you don't renew, you may see this error message:

Select Visit My Account Now to renew your Fast Path licence for the current tax year. You can continue to use ProSeries from a prior year but you will need an updated Fast Path License for access to all services.

Without Fast Path, ProSeries will continue to work on your desktop, but you won't have access to certain services such as e-filing, support, or authorizing new returns for current or prior years if you're on a pay-as-you-go basis. If you use the unlimited modules, you may still print returns.

What do Fast Path services include?

• E-file for current-year returns
• E-file late and amended tax returns for tax years that are still open for e-filing with the IRS (tax years 2023, 2022 and 2021 between January 1–December 31)
• Pay-per-return (PPR) access for the current and prior tax years
• Live U.S.-based technical and product support
• Downloads for all tax software programs from My Account
• Access to training content
• Transaction downloads from financial institutions (such as banks or payroll processors)
• Data conversion services
• Intuit Link
• Audit Assistance
• eSignature

When is my Fast Path active?

The Fast Path service period is the calendar year. For example, the Fast Path included in aProSeries 2023purchase will give you access to these services from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024. If you renew by December 31 each year, you won't experience any interruption of services.

Do I need to have Fast Path?

Yes. A Fast Path will always automatically be included in your ProSeries purchase or renewal as it is required for each software license.

Without Fast Path, you'll still be able to use your program to prepare and file paper returns for any unlimited modules purchased that have already been authorized. Any new returns will require a current year fast path.

Network users should purchase additional Fast Path seats to allow concurrent program access for multiple users.

Why did ProSeriesseparate Fast Path services from the tax program?

Before 2014, we delivered the tax year program that was used to e-file returns from January to October, at which time we stopped supporting that year's program.

With the introduction of multi-year e-filing, our prior year programs could be used to e-file for up to three years, and required year-round support. The Fast Path was introduced to bundle several items that may have been billed separately in prior years and had varying service periods, like the REP License, Network License, or e-file fees.

Based on customer feedback, we're updating our service periods to support renewed customers with the services they need.

What if I haven't renewed ProSeriesfor the current tax year?

You'll be able to use your program to prepare and file paper returns for any unlimited modules you've purchased that have already been authorized. If you don't renew your program, you'll lose access to Fast Path services, including PPR access, e-filing capability, live support, and program updates.

Related topics

• How to renew ProSeries