E-File Confirmations Required?

[krazykev]

I have wondered about this for a few years and have not been able to locate a definitive answer in the e-filing pubs (1345 & 1345A). My software (TaxWorks) produces an e-file acceptance confirmation letter that can be emailed or printed out for the client. For my clients who have provided email addresses I always send it to them, but for the other clients I have not been mailing these letters to them (although I keep a copy for my records). Are these confirmations required to be sent out and if so where is this rule explained?

Thanks!

[Gretel]

I don't know where to find the rule but I am pretty sure that form 9325 is part of the electronic part of the tax return and therefor is required to give to the client.

I always mail these forms after the tax returns have been accepted. It's also nice for the clients to see when they can expect to get their refunds.

[David1980]

The ERO must, at the request of the taxpayer, provide the Declaration Control Number
(DCN) and the date the electronic individual income tax return data was accepted by
the IRS. Form 9325, Acknowledgment and General Information for Taxpayers Who File
Returns Electronically,may be used for this purpose. The ERO must also, if requested,
supply the electronic postmark if the Transmitter provided one for the return.

Keywords are "at the request of the taxpayer". It also doesn't have to be 9325, just something giving the DCN number and ack date. Of course if you're in the normal practice of sending it out, that's awesome. Makes it much harder to "miss" a rejected return and find out next year when the taxpayer asks how come they're getting IRS letters.

[ChEAr$]

And therefore

not required.

client always knows how to get hold of me if there's a question.

[taxea]

The 8879 has the refund amount and the DCN number on it. I provide a copy to the client with their copy of the filed return. taxea

[Jesse]

Keywords are "at the request of the taxpayer". It also doesn't have to be 9325, just something giving the DCN number and ack date. Of course if you're in the normal practice of sending it out, that's awesome. Makes it much harder to "miss" a rejected return and find out next year when the taxpayer asks how come they're getting IRS letters.

Form 8879 would have the DCN number but would not have the ack date.

[S T]

Confirmations

Both my acknowledgements and my actual confirmations that my software prints out have the DCN number and the date. DCN number is also on the forms 8879, but not the actual acknowledgement date.

I just print out my confirmations that my software provides for each client and include with the tax packet that I provide to my client.

Sandy

[Larmil]

Both my acknowledgements and my actual confirmations that my software prints out have the DCN number and the date. DCN number is also on the forms 8879, but not the actual acknowledgement date.

I just print out my confirmations that my software provides for each client and include with the tax packet that I provide to my client.

Sandy

The 'packet' that I provided to my clients at the time they sign the 8879 includes the 8879 and a copy of the return. It cannot include the ACK's since I haven't filed the return yet. The ACK's are mailed to them when I receive them. That is their proof that they filed the return including the date it was filed. I also keep a copy of the ACK's in my file with the 8879.

[JG EA]

I don't notify clients when the return is acknowledged. I just notify them if it is rejected and I need more information from them. So they know NO news if good news. Did I ever mention I can't stand rejection.

[Jesse]

I don't notify clients when the return is acknowledged. I just notify them if it is rejected and I need more information from them. So they know NO news if good news. Did I ever mention I can't stand rejection.

This is my policy as well. But if requested I would be more than happy to send a copy of Form 9325.

I follow the IRS refund cycle chart and warn that this is not a guaranteed date, but your refund should be deposited/mailed on this approx date. Believe me, if there is a problem they call!

[fliszt]

Years ago,

I read somewhere that the acknowledgement was required to be sent to the client within 24 hrs of acceptance. Can't find it now though.
Larry

[RitaB]

Signing Form 8879

Both my acknowledgements and my actual confirmations that my software prints out have the DCN number and the date. DCN number is also on the forms 8879, but not the actual acknowledgement date.

I just print out my confirmations that my software provides for each client and include with the tax packet that I provide to my client.

Sandy

Sandy, you are getting the signature on the Form 8879 before filing, aren't you? You've got to do that. I also suspect that a few of my clients would never come in and pay me if I didn't make them come in and sign. They pick up their copy of the return and Form 8879 then.

I wait till the following day to send the e-file so they have time to look it over. Actually, that's one of the things they are attesting to (that they've seen it and agree that it's correct) when they sign the 8879, I think.

[S T]

Signatures

Yes all signatures and review of return prior to efiling.

Sandy

[iratax]

Per Pub 1345 you only need to give the DCN and date accepted to the taxpayer if they ask for it.

"The ERO must, at the request of the taxpayer, provide the Declaration Control Number
(DCN) and the date the electronic individual income tax return data was accepted by
the IRS. Form 9325, Acknowledgment and General Information for Taxpayers Who File
Returns Electronically,may be used for this purpose. The ERO must also, if requested,
supply the electronic postmark if the Transmitter provided one for the return."

[Lion]

IRS e-mail

You can have the IRS e-mail your client the acceptance, but it's overloaded with general information. One of your options is to have the IRS e-mail your client at YOUR e-mail address. I do that. Then, I forward it to my clients that provide me with their e-mail addresses with my own message at the top explaining what it is and also giving them acceptance dates from their state(s) return(s). I keep a copy of the IRS e-mail with their 8879. If a client requests or has been especially concerned and I don't have an e-mail address for them, I mail them a copy. But, I'm trying to save on postage and time to address and paper and....