Electronically File Extensions in a Batch

You can electronically file Individual and Business Federal extensions in a batch process. There are also several state extensions that can be electronically filed in a batch. Extensions that are included in a batch submission will be electronically filed with a zero balance. To include a payment when filing an extension electronically, submit the extension from Tax. The option to electronically file extensions is available only for the current tax year beginning in 2011 for Individual returns and beginning in 2012 for Business returns, and only after extensions are available for the tax year.

The Electronic Filing job type is retained in job history for 60 days, regardless of your firm's job history default setting. See Setting the Firm Job History Option for more information.

Notes:

• To use this feature, you must have the functional rights granted to edit tax returns and to upload and hold returns to the Electronic Filing Status System (EFS). And your firm must be licensed to process extensions for the return type.
• Returns with the lock to prevent changes are processed.
• Tax extensions must be qualified for electronic filing to be included in the electronic batch processing.

To upload extensions to the Electronic Filing Status System, do the following:

1. Open Dashboard, click Application Links on the navigation panel, and then click Batch Manager under Tax.
2. Select New Job > Electronic Filing > Extensions from the Job Management group on the Home tab.
3. Use the filters to limit what displays in the grid. Click the Select Returns bar to show or hide filters. Setting filters to a value other than All results in fewer returns displayed in the grid.

Explain how to show, hide, or replace filters.

• Hide or replace. You can hide or replace all filters except the Tax Year and Return Type filters by clicking the down arrow beside the filter name. Select another filter to replace the current one or click Remove to hide the filter.
• Show. Click Add Filter and select an available filter from the list.

Explain the available filters and processing options.

Component	Description
Tax Year	Displays the current tax year in the grid.
Return Type	Displays the Individual or selected Business return type in the grid. Only the return types for which your firm is licensed to process extensions are available.
Previously Exported	Includes or excludes returns that have been previously and successfully uploaded to EFS.
Office	Displays all offices in the grid or limits the grid display to one office.
Business Unit	Displays all business units in the grid or limits the grid display to one business unit. This filter is available if your firm has configured at least one business unit.
Return Group	Displays all return groups in the grid or limits the grid display to one return group.
Last Activity	Displays all activities in the grid or limits the grid display to one activity.
Signer	Displays all signers in the grid or limits the grid display to one signer.
Return Status	Displays all return statuses in the grid or limits the grid display to one status.
Year End	Displays all months or limits the grid display to one month. The selection for Individual returns is always December.

4. Click Go to display results for your filter criteria in the grid. If there is a large number of returns, a progress window displays.
5. Sort columns in the grid to locate the returns to include in the batch.

You may also consider sorting the Password Protect column to locate returns that will require you to enter a password before continuing the batch process. You will also have the option to skip password protected returns.

6. Do any of the following:
   • Select individually. Select the check boxes to the left of the returns to include in your batch job.
   • Select all. Select the box at the top of the column to select or clear all returns in the grid.
   • Review required authorizations. Click the down arrow beside Authorization Summary to view the number and types of authorizations required for the selected returns. Applicable federal, state, or consolidated authorizations are deducted when returns are calculated or printed if they have not been previously authorized. The Authorizations column in the grid displays Yes for returns that require authorizations.

   Note: You can select a maximum of 300 returns when batch processing electronic filing.

   1. Show me the grid options.

   Component	Description
   Show selected returns only	Select to display only the returns that you have selected in the grid. Clear the check box to show all filtered returns.
   Find Next	Enter the complete criteria to search for specific records or enter partial information to search for similar matches in the Search box located at the top of the window. Then, click Find Next to select the first or next occurrence of your search criteria in the grid. Note: You can enter alpha, numeric, and special characters to locate records.
   Hide/Show Filters	Click the double up or down arrows near the top of the window to alternately hide or show filters, giving you more or less area in the window to review returns in the grid.

7. Click Continue to display your processing options. Your filter selections are saved the next time you create the same job type.

Note: You must enter a password for each group of returns that is secured for a client.

8. Select the appropriate options on the Electronic Filing Extensions Options window to print the signature forms. Only the signature forms for the extensions that are successfully uploaded print. See Selecting Electronic Filing Extensions Options for more information about each option.

Note: Signature forms is a term that refers to any federal or state form that is printed during the extension electronic filing process. The forms do not always require a taxpayer signature.

9. Do one of the following:
   • Click Submit Job to submit the job for immediate processing.
   • Click Schedule Job to schedule the job to process at another date and time. See Scheduling and Rescheduling Jobs for more information.

Warning!: Keep in mind that if you cancel the batch process, some extensions in the batch may have already completed and uploaded to the Electronic Filing Status System.