Common questions about electronic filing of extensions in Lacerte

Below are solutions to frequently asked questions about e-filing federal and state extensions for individual and business returns in Lacerte.

Refer to this article for instructions on generating and sending the extension in the program.

Table of contents:

What forms are sent with the e-file extension?

No tax return forms are transmitted when filing an extension electronically. Only the extension form is transmitted.

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Which e-file option should be selected when transmitting an extension?

When e-filing an extension, you should select Start e-file Extension Wizard from the E-File menu.

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Can the federal extension be sent without payment?

Yes, the Federal extension can be sent with our without a payment. The balance due can be paid by check, credit card (via the IRS website), or direct debit. See the IRS Instructions for Form 4868
for more details.

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How do I set up payment of balance due via direct debit?

Refer to this article for instructions on setting up payment of balance due via direct debit.

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Why does Form 8878 or Form 8878-A only generate on some returns?

Individual - Form 8878 - IRS e-file Signature Authorization for Application for Extension of time to file.

Corporate, S-Corporate and Fiduciary - Form 8878-A - IRS Electronic Withdrawal Authorization for Form 7004.

These forms are similar to Form 8879 and are required only when filing an electronic extension and paying the balance due electronically. These forms aren't mailed to the IRS and are kept by the ERO for 3 years.

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Which forms should be mailed to the IRS when e-filing the extension?

No forms should be mailed to the IRS when e-filing the extension.

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Where's my confirmation number associated with the e-filed extension?

There's no confirmation number associated with an e-filed extension. The Accepted acknowledgement from the IRS is confirmation of the extension of time to file.

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Should I do anything special when pulling acknowledgements for an e-filed extension vs a tax return?

No, the acknowledgements for extension are retrieved in the same manner as that of an e-filed tax return. Select Step 3: e-file Acknowledgement Statuses and choose Receive Acknowledgement Statuses from the E-File dropdown menu in Lacerte.

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If e-filing the extension, does the return have to be e-filed?

No, the return can be filed on paper or electronically after the e-file extension has been Accepted. To file a paper return after e-filing the extension, remove the checkbox(es) on Screen 1, Client Information under the Electronic Returns section. This only applies if the client isn't mandated to e-file.

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Can a tax payment be made electronically with an extension after the extension deadline has passed?

No, after the extension deadline has passed, the Lacerte e-file center won't accept extension returns with or without payments. Any payments made outside the return filing will need to be made using the method of payment options available on the IRS website.

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Can I e-file a batch or group of extensions?

Refer to the video below for instructions on e-filing a batch or group of extensions.

You may also refer to this article for step-by-step instructions.

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Can I e-file an extension for Form 1120-H?

Yes, the extension should be marked for Form 1120-H in Screen 12, Automatic Extension (7004).

See here for information on e-filing state extensions for an individual return.

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