Common questions for Fiduciary Electronic Filing in Lacerte

The following entries can be made in Screen 2.2, e-file Misc:

• Preparer's e-file instructions [O] - Enter a 1 for Yes or a 2 for No to override the printing of Preparer e-file instructions for this return.
  • An entry in the field allows you to override the Preparer e-file instructions option in the Tax Return Option tab. To omit the Preparer e-file instruction with all returns, on the Settings menu, click Options. Click the Tax Return tab. Select "No" at the e-file instructions option.
  • To change when the Preparer e-file instructions print with a return, on the Settings menu, click Options. Click the Items to Print tab. In the General section, select Preparer e-file instructions check box to print the instructions with the return.
  • The preparer e-file instructions provide a step-by-step guide to electronically file a federal or state tax return. The preparer e-file instructions print at the front of the preparer review and the preparer file copies of the return. You can change which return copy the Preparer e-file instructions print with, on the Settings menu, click Options. Click the Items to Print tab. In the General section, select Preparer e-file instructions check box to print the instructions with the return.
• Name Control [O] - The program will automatically create the Name Control field in the electronic file, according to IRS rules. To override the characters generated by the program, make an entry in this field.
  • See the EIN confirmation, IRS Notice CP 575 B, top of last page, IRS Use Only line, just after the application date.
• Disaster Explanation - Enter the description of the disaster.

What Fiduciary types can be e-filed?

Lacerte supports e-file for 1041, 5227 and 4720 federal returns from the Fiduciary return type.

How to setup a Fiduciary return for e-file?

To setup a Fiduciary return for e-file:

1. Open the return to Screen 1, Client Information.
2. Under Returns, use the Add button to add the states needed for the tax return.
3. In the Electronic Return section, check the e-file boxes for each federal return type needed:
   • Federal for the 1041 U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts.
   • Federal 4720 for the Return of Certain Excise Taxes on Charities and Other Persons Under Chapters 41 and 42 of the Internal Revenue Code Form 4720.
   • Federal 5227 for the Split-Interest Trust Information Return Form 5227
4. Complete the tax return as normal.
5. If the taxpayer wants direct deposit or electronic funds withdrawal, check to make sure that is entered for the tax type. See here for details.
6. Review Diagnostics on both the federal and state return to correct any errors.
   • Critical Diagnostic Warnings that begin with e-file: will prevent the return from being e-filed.
7. Have the taxpayer sign any required signature documents, such as the 8879 or 8878.
8. Once you're ready to e-file go to the E-File menu and select Start e-file Return Wizard.
9. Check the federal or state returns you need to e-file today and select Next to validate the return.
   • Validation makes sure the return contains no critical e-file diagnostics and converts the return into the IRS readable format (XML).
   • If the return fails validation, select the error to bring you to diagnostics that will need to be resolved.
10. Once the return passes validation, select Send e-file Returns Now.
11. Review the Transmission log to make sure the transmission was successful.

If you're looking for answers to commonly asked questions regarding filing extensions in the program, see here.