Opting out of E-filing

[Golden Rocket]

We are told that E-filing is now mandatory.

Also told that the taxpayer can opt out if he feels e-filing is not appropriate, insecure for privacy reasons, etc. etc.

Was told that there would be a form to be executed when taxpayer opted out. At seminar time last fall, the form had not yet been designed.

Does anyone have information yet on this new "form?" I have already had a couple refuse to e-file and I don't have a record of their opt-out other than to simply paper file the return. If it is not important enough for IRS to develop a form, it should not be incumbent upon me to design a form myself.

If the above is true and there is or will be this opt-out form, logic would follow that every return should have either an 8879 or this new form, mutually exclusive.

[Dusty2004]

Designed own form

I saw some examples and just designed my own form.

Made sure to include they were not encouraged by anyone in our firm to not e-file. If you want a copy of my exact for I will post it - let me know.

Dusty

[S T]

Opt out

Is it form 8948?

http://www.irs.gov/taxpros/article/0,,id=231871,00.html see item #15
and #16
Sandy

[Dusty2004]

Sandy

That is the form that you send to the IRS but you need to have your client sign a form stating that THEY do not want to e-file.

Seperate form.

Dusty

[S T]

Both

Yes Dusty, I see that, in the link under # 16 IRS gives a sample for the client to sign.

Thanks,

Sandy

[FEDUKE404]

When efiling cannot work

Very useful information. Thanks!

One question on the Form 8948: I have a client who, for the past several years, has been unable to efile because "someone" (the IRS knows who!) has illegally claimed one of the couple's dependents early in the tax season. The client has a fairly complicated return, including investments, and even under the best of cirumstances their tax return cannot be completed until very late March of each year.

We do give it the old college try (once) each year, and the same rejection occurs.

With that in mind, how many "tries" (as shown on line 4 of Form 8948) is a sufficient number for the IRS ???

FE

[BP.]

Is it form 8948?

http://www.irs.gov/taxpros/article/0,,id=231871,00.html see item #15
and #16
Sandy

Thanks Sandy, & Dusty, too!

[JG EA]

Ha. I see a problem with that wording:

I was not influenced by [INSERT PREPARER’S NAME] or any member of his/her firm to sign this statement.

And yet we are asking them to sign it.....

[S T]

Would We

Now, really, would any one of us that are Professionals on this Board, influence or suggest to our Tax Client for "opt out of efile" and have them sign the statement

Sandy