Exactly how many e-files can I do in TurboTax Business?

[chucknjr]

Turbotax Business Download has a limit of 4 efiles correct?  At least on my computer, I was able to efile one 1065 and three state returns all under the same FEIN, but when I tried to efile one additional state return under that same FEIN, I got an error saying I'm past the limit.  But is the limit 4 efiles per FEIN or 4 total no matter if it's four 1065s or one 1065 and three state returns? In other words, can I efile three 1065s and three state returns, or would I be limited to efiling one 1065 and three state returns and I'd have to mail in the remaining two 1065s?

[Anonymous_ · Accepted solution]

I am not sure whether the following will answer your question(s) or not, but the general rule is five federal e-files and that limit is set by the IRS, not Intuit.

Further, you can apparently e-file three state returns per federal e-filed return so that appears to be what is occurring in your case. The screenshot below is generic but, I believe, it applies to the personal and the business products (except the price, obviously).

[VolvoGirl]

Sounds like the same rules as the personal programs.  Did you have to pay the 19.99 or 24.99 state efile fee too?  Looks like it is 5 federal efiles and only 3 state efiles per federal.  Click on Free Federal Efiles under the price here

https://turbotax.intuit.com/small-business-taxes/ 

[chucknjr]

Good to know the personal software is only 3 states per federal too.  The pricing is different though. It's $54.99 per state download and that includes efile.  Gets quite expensive if you have 4 business state returns like me. Next year I'm switching to pro software. Turns out you don't have to be a pro to use any of the professional software. You just need to apply for an EFIN from the IRS for free if you want to efile though. But once you get that there are no limits on the number of efiles you can do.  The pro software can be cheaper too. Intuit Pro Connect is about $59 per business return on sale right now with unlimited states, efiling, and amendments included. Drake is $330 for up to 15 returns whether personal or business and includes unlimited states too.

[VolvoGirl]

You are right.  My notes do say Business state efile included.  Here is my notes but I don't think it covers more than 1 state for 1 federal.

For federal you can use one Business program.  You have to buy the state Business program separately from inside the federal program.  Buy federal Business here (only available for Windows and not Online)

https://turbotax.intuit.com/small-business-taxes

Preparing state tax returns for more than one business?

When they are the same types of businesses (such as two S Corps) and file taxes in the same state, buy one state product $54.99 and use for all at no extra charge. Business State efile included.

When they are the same types of businesses (such as more than one LLC), but file taxes in different states, buy one product per state for $54.99. Business State efile included.

When they are different types of businesses (such as an S Corp and a partnership) and file taxes in the same state, purchase one product for each business type for $54.99 per each business type. Business State efile included.

[Critter-3]

To use any professional program AND EFILE  returns requires you to get an EFIN from the IRS which is not automatic and if you are not an attorney, CPA or EA you may not be issued one.  And if you do get one you must comply with all the paid tax professional rules and regulations.   If you want to try for an EFIN you best start the process now ...  https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/become-an-authorized-e-file-provider

My company uses DRAKE and they have excellent customer service however let me caution you that none of the professional programs should not  be used by those who do not fully understand the IRS forms and rules   because these programs  do not have any kind of interview path  to guide you   and they have a steep learning curve if you cannot already do the returns manually on paper.

[chucknjr]

These are good points, I agree.  Definitely do not use the pro software unless you are very comfortable with taxes.  Regarding myself, for example, I have been self preparing for years while my returns were simple and once they got complicated I hired a CPA for 2 years who would invite me into his office for 5 to 10 hours every tax season and we'd do all my returns together. I've also spent at least 100 maybe 200 hours over the past few years educating myself on taxes.  I'm going to guess very few consumers have done this.