How to update the e-file acknowledgement status in Lacerte

When returns still show as Sent to Intuit or In Agency after a few days, you will need to manually connect to the Lacerte servers to get the latest e-file status and confirm whether your submission was accepted or rejected. This process may seem automatic during the busiest parts of your tax season, since each time you e-file another return, Lacerte retrieves acknowledgements for those you've previously filed.

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Before you start:

• Federal returns are typically processed in 1 to 3 days.
• State returns are typically processed in 2 to 5 days.
• Most states are closed on weekends and federal holidays for acknowledgment processing.
• If you're unable to update the status on the return after performing the steps below, you can check the status online. See here for more information.

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Follow these steps to retrieve acknowledgements:

1. Go to the Clients list.
2. Highlight the clients that need updating.
3. From the E-file menu, select Step 3: e-File Acknowledgement Statuses.
4. Select Receive Acknowledgement Statuses.

This method will connect to Lacerte's servers and retrieve acknowledgements for all returns e-filed by your computer in all modules. If a return's status doesn't update using these steps, try the method below.

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To retrieve acknowledgements for select returns:

1. Go to the Clients list.
2. Highlight the clients that need updating. Hold down the shift key on your keyboard if you need to select multiple.
3. From the E-file menu, select Step 3: e-File Acknowledgement Statuses.
4. Select Update Acknowledgement Status for Selected Return(s).
5. In the Update E-file status window make sure the selected clients are listed.
6. Select OK.
7. Any new acknowledgements for the selected clients will be displayed.

Note: Updating the status of selected returns for different modules must be done in each of the affected modules, like Individual and Partnership.

Statuses can't be updated all at once for different modules using this method. If the status hasn't updated on the return after performing the steps above, you can check the status online. See How to check for delayed e-file acknowledgements for more information.

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To view the reason why a return was rejected:

1. Go to the Clients list.
2. Select e-file Clients or e-file Center listed under the Views section on the left side of your program.
3. Highlight the client by selecting it.
4. Select the hyperlink in the Federal or State e-file status column, or press F4 on your keyboard to open the client status window.
5. Select the e-File Status tab at the top of the client status window. Here you can view the e-file history and e-file status of the client. If a return was rejected, select the rejection status to view the reason for rejection and possible solutions.

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To print an e-file rejection report:

1. Go to the Clients list.
2. Highlight the client by selecting it.
3. From the E-file menu, select e-file Reports/Messages.
4. Select View e-file Activity Report.
5. Uncheck all boxes except IRS Rejected or State Rejected from the left navigation panel.
6. Select Print.

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Can I stop a return that has already been sent?

No, after a return has been transmitted from your program, the return can't be stopped by Intuit.

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What if I need to make changes to a return that after e-filing it?

After the return acknowledgement has been received, one of two things can be done. If the return is rejected, you'll be able to make changes to it before e-filing again. If the return is accepted, you'll need to file an amended return.

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Video demonstration of managing clients on the Lacerte EF Center:

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