Does e-filing a return permit the addition of pdf files as attchments?

[GGBJr]

In past years, I don't believe that this was possible.  Lately, however, when Googled I come up with varying answers, mostly positive, but the instructions for accomplishing same are not particularly helpful.  I am using the Premier version of TT.

[Anonymous_ · Accepted solution]

Does e-filing a return permit the addition of pdf files as attachments?

No. At least Attachments is grayed out in the program.

[GGBJr]

The 2022 Premier edition doesn't even have "Attachments" or "Tools" shown as  tabs.  Not very encouraging.  Thanks for the response.

[DaraLO]

Not in TurboTax Online, but you can use the CD/Download software to attach PDFs and e-file. 

Reference:  How do I eFile my New York return if I have credits requiring a PDF attachment?

[Anonymous_]

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@DaraLO wrote:

Not in TurboTax Online, but you can use the CD/Download software to attach PDFs and e-file. 

Reference:  How do I eFile my New York return if I have credits requiring a PDF attachment?

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The reference applies to a New York State return (in the state section of the program).

Is there a way (or method) to attach a PDF (and e-file) in the CD/Download software for federal?

[DaraLO]

The process to attach a PDF and e-file pertains to federal returns as well.

[Anonymous_]

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@DaraLO wrote:

The process to attach a PDF and e-file pertains to federal returns as well.

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I have a copy of Home & Business on two different PCs and I am not able to attach a PDF.

What am I missing?

[JulieS]

Yes, you can attach a PDF to your TurboTax Desktop file, but only in certain circumstances. 

For instance, you can attach a PDF containing a 1099-B statement that you summarized in the program. 

If you are not offered the option to attach a PDF when you enter your information, then it is not an allowed attachment. This is true even in cases where the IRS says they need a document attached. 

If your return requires an attachment and you aren't prompted to attach a PDF, you will have to print and mail your return with a paper copy of the attachment. 

[GGBJr]

Madame JulieS:

Thanks for responding.

In today's computerized tax world, I can understand why written communications would not be  appreciated accompaniments to an e-filing.  Our specific situation results from having enormous medical bills for 2022, because of my surgeries, plus taking medical expenses for a grandchild with unusual medical expenses.  I can see the IRS balking, because of the combined amount, which it would not realize is a combined amount unless I described the situation.

The 1040 will exceed 100 pages, so I have little incentive to mail same.  But, if  I mail in a separate statement to explain the expenses, will it be entered into my IRS account, or get lost in the handling?  I have a feeling that the IRS does a computerized review of my e-file, which will pass or fail, totally ignoring, if found, my mail-in explanation.  If there is a "failure" in my return, does the IRS go back to my file, or simply send out a computerized notification?  In which case, a mail-in explanation would be a waste of time.

Thanks for your time expended!

[ErnieS0]

IRS will copy and store everything you send them. We can’t speak for them as to whether they read all separate statements.

The IRS does send many computerized notices, but these are for mismatches between what they receive or didn’t receive from third parties and what was reported on the tax return. For example, a mismatch of an amount reported as wages between the W-2 and tax return.

The IRS does not get third-party reporting on medical expenses, so any examination notice would have human involvement. The IRS computer would flag your return and an auditor will look at it and decide whether to proceed with an audit. Not all flagged returns are audited.

[GGBJr]

"Damed if you do, and damned if you don't!"

Thanks for the rapid response. It is unfortunate that there is not a worksheet to accompany medical expenses where one could itemize the expenses.  If I mail in an itemized expense list, that could draw attention to the item, whereas I could run the risk of having the field flagged, regardless.

I''ll have to sleep on that one!  Thanks for your detailed response, regardless.  At least I now understand the process.

[KrisD15]

The IRS is backlogged when it comes to paper-filed returns. It would be wise to avoid that if possible. 

If you e-file and the return is flagged, you will be in no worst shape than if you had paper-filed with the itemized medical expenses. 

Attaching the medical expense statement would not streamline the process.

As stated before, we can't speak for the IRS, but it's pretty good advice to say "e-file if at all possible". 

[GGBJr]

I came to the same conclusion.  There is a sizable refund coming back, so, hopefully, that will be processed before the flagging, but maybe that is performed simultaneously with the receipt of the e-filed document.

Thanks for chiming in!