Files Return without authority

[taxea]

It is actually dependent on the options you set up in your program. ProSeries has a option that won't let you file if you haven't gone through the review for errors and haven't saved the file just before efiling.

[Roberts]

If I don't enter my PIN it won't be ready for e-file. I don't enter my PIN until I'm getting ready to meet with the client to sign the 8879.

Problem solved

If you enter your pin while getting ready to meet the client to sign the 8879 and at that meeting they decide to pull the return from being e-filed - the problem isn't solved.


Accidents and errors happen. They wouldn't be called ACCIDENTS if they were intentional.

[MRPLOW]

I had a return just about completed when the client decided to withdraw his information. The return was listed with other returns ready to be e-filed and when I pressed the button to file these returns the unauthorized return was filed also and the IRS accepted. What should now be done?

Just a suggestion, but I don't batch file returns for exactly this reason, to great of a chance for an error.

I manually send each return when I have the clients folder and signed 8879 right in front of me.

[John of PA]

Call IRS Pratitioners Hotline and explain the problem.

[thomtax]

In Drake you can set up to where you have to go into the EF page and check the box ready for EF before it will send it. It doesn't matter if you have the 8879 and everything else done, you cannot efile until you check the ready box.

LT

[ttbtaxes]

This is a tough one even if it is a longstanding client on good terms. I'd plead mea culpa immediately and work with the client.

In the future, I would never batch efile returns. Never. I don't batch file a child/student tax return when doing the parent's returns. Every return stands on its own and I authorize the export to efile and then go to efile and its the only one ever in the queue.

I'm sure I'd have made the same mistake if I had multiple returns ready to efile.

[Bees Knees]

Every return stands on its own and I authorize the export to efile and then go to efile and its the only one ever in the queue.

I do the same thing. Even if I have a number of returns ready for e-file, I transmit each return separately. I also double check the refund/balance due/AGI listed on the 8879 with the return prior to hitting the send button, just to make sure the program did not change any calculations in the time from when I completed the return to when I am ready to e-file the return.

[ttbtaxes]

It's the fear curse. Every time I go to efile a return I feel almost paralyzed and unable to finally hit the send button. It's like the brand-new, sixteen-year-old driver who stops at a stop sign and looks left, then right, then left again and right again before timidly depressing the gas pedal.

I'm looking at the 8879 checking, it seems like a dozen times, whether the client has signed and dated it and the numbers exactly match with the return as last calculated.

One more thing to encourage those demons who endlessly swirl in my mind during the black of night and keep me from restfully sleeping. I need to buy a cart and start selling hotdogs.

[luke]

It happens

or is it S#%$ happens! If I didnt "batch" returns to efile thats all I would get done all day!
Obvious answer has been given above - call client explain situation and offer to "make it right"
Hopefully the client will not be a jerk but you never know.......

[smithtax]

driver who stops at a stop sign and looks left, then right, then left again and right again before timidly depressing the gas pedal

You must've seen me driving around

[MRPLOW]

or is it S#%$ happens! If I didnt "batch" returns to efile thats all I would get done all day!
Obvious answer has been given above - call client explain situation and offer to "make it right"
Hopefully the client will not be a jerk but you never know.......

I'm not sure what software you use, but it literally takes me less than 30 seconds to grab the client file and e-file it with the signed 8879 in front of me.

[FEDUKE404]

Not a problem

I'm not sure what software you use, but it literally takes me less than 30 seconds to grab the client file and e-file it with the signed 8879 in front of me.

Agree on that!

It probably takes me much longer to do an "error/alert check" (before I finalize/print the return to send to client w/8879) than to do the few mouse clicks necessary for efiling once the signed 8879 has been returned to me.

FE

[Black Bart]

I agree with this.

It happens or is it S#%$ happens! If I didnt "batch" returns to efile thats all I would get done all day!
Obvious answer has been given above - call client explain situation and offer to "make it right"
Hopefully the client will not be a jerk but you never know.......

Before you succumb to "the sky is falling" scenarios maybe just call the guy and say "Look, I made a mistake and accidentally sent your return to IRS. I know you wanted to hold up or change it, but it's already been filed. If you want to let it stand like it is, then the fee will only be half-price. If you want it changed, I'll do a corrected return for nothing. Which do you want to do?" If he's not a jerk, okay; if he is, at least you'll know.

Don't let on you're worried that much about it (it encourages jerks); besides if he wanted to change the return maybe it's because of something not quite on the up-and-up. He may not now want to bring anything to IRS's attention any more than you do, in which case he might just come in, sign the 88, and let things stand as they are.

P.S. But...I don't batch file either -- it's too dangerous (I think).