Attaching pdf to electronic filing

[rha9]

It is not clear how to do this.  I've been advised that I should do this to explain an aspect of the return.  Some posts suggest that it cannot be done??  Seems like a definite defect in the program if so.  Do other electronic filing programs allow it?

[xmasbaby0]

You cannot attach a pdf to an e-filed return.   What are you trying to attach?  In general, if the IRS wants additional information from you after you e-file your return, they will send you a request by letter with instructions as to how to submit the requested information.

[rjs]

TurboTax provides for entering an explanation where it is required by IRS rules. The IRS does not want explanations that are not required by the rules. The IRS instructions for Form 1040 say "Don't attach correspondence or other items unless required to do so." If the IRS has a question about your tax return or wants more information, they will send you a letter asking for it.

[Anonymous_]

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@rha9 wrote:

Some posts suggest that it cannot be done??  Seems like a definite defect in the program if so. 

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If you're referring to the dropdown in the screenshot below, it doesn't appear to be functional.

[fanfare]

With a few exceptions, if your tax return requires an attachment and/or explanation statement. you can't e-File.

You have to file a paper return via US Mail or FEDEX.

There are a few places in TurboTax where an explanation statement can be typed in by you and included with your e-File.

The only PDF supported by TurboTax is the Schedule D transacton details, and only in certain situations.

In that case, a separate paper mailing after e-File is already provided for by the IRS instructions.

@rha9 

[fanfare]

Attach an explanation only if the IRS instructions explicitly call for it,

not because somebody else suggested it would be a good idea.

@rha9 

[sterned2]

Capitalize Carrying Charges IRC Section 266 

TaxAct does. And from what I can tell, you would need to do so to make a Section 266 election.

Really disappointed / frustrated that turbotax has missed this for years for me. Been paying taxes on vacant land that I can't deduct due to the SALT cap.

Unable to efile and submit this. The software never suggested I make the election. Finally stumbled upon the fact that I should be doing it when I tried to figure out if those taxes should have increased my basis.

[VailGuy]

I also have just discovered this issue !  VERY annoying to have lost the value of capitalizing R E Tax over a number of years for not realizing the necessity of annual filing the 266 election ( had assumed that capitalization would be allowed as adjustment to basis or deductible cost upon eventual sale). very costly error attributable to Turbo tax not asking about an investment in vacant/unproductive land. 

[VailGuy]

I believe that the annual R E Tax on vacant or unproductive investment real property MAY be deductible if you itemize- EVEN IF you are limited by the $ 10,000 ceiling on your residence and second home R E Tax and  local and state income taxes, the $10K limit does not apply to the investment property.  

[fanfare]

Other tax suftware will support typed-in explanations, and attachment of any PDF file(s).

We're not allowed to name other tax software on this forum.

[FriendHere]

How to Attach an "ACA Explanation" (Not sure how to attach anything else.)

If you're not required to file an 8962 Form, but the IRS rejected your return because you didn't include it (in my case it's because I am claiming a child that was on my ex-wife's ACA policy, but I wasn't covered or named), here's how to attach it...

1) In TurboTax, search for 1095-A.

2) Select and confirm that you didn't receive one.

3) Go to the "Forms" view and look for the document that was added called "ACA Explanation."

4) Overwrite default text with your own. Overwriting it is tricky--only accepts limited number of characters. Write one line at a time--once you overwrite the text of the first line, it will let you overwrite the second line. After the second line, you can continue adding lines of text, one at a time.

5) Save the file and go back to the form to assure your text is there.