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New Member
posted Jan 7, 2022 8:01:44 AM

How can I file more than 5 federal returns with the desktop version?

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16 Replies
Level 15
Jan 7, 2022 8:05:08 AM

The desktop version allows you to e-file up to five federal tax returns---which is an IRS limit.   If you prepare more than five returns the extra ones have to be filed

by mail.   

 

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s.  Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses.  Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.

Level 15
Jan 7, 2022 8:34:04 AM

So....if filing more than 5 due to multiple family members, you make sure you e-file your own, well before the 5 limit is reached....then file the extra simplest ones (children's) by mail once the 5 limit is reached.

 

Be forewarned though, if you e-file any one with an erroneous SSN for one of the people in it, and it is rejected...then you correct it to re-efile, in the past, that erroneous-rejected e-file gets counted against one of your 5, and the corrected e-file counts separately as another, so make absolutely sure your own gets in before, say, #3.

 

And you are not allowed to file taxes for others for pay ...only for yourself and your own family members

Level 15
Jan 7, 2022 4:45:02 PM

Also be aware that Turbotax is not licensed for use by paid tax preparers.

New Member
Mar 27, 2022 5:19:15 PM

I would like to know what is the name of your Turbotax  Product that I can use to E-File more then 5 returns
I need to do more for my family

Thanks a lot in advance

Level 15
Mar 27, 2022 5:23:09 PM

@Zumbaluz00 Five federal e-files is the

IRS

limit.  There is not a TurboTax product that will get you past that.   If you have more than five the other ones can be printed signed and mailed.

 

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s.  Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses.  Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.

Level 15
Mar 27, 2022 5:24:35 PM

You can't efile more than 5.  Maybe some can use the Online Free Edition?  You can print and mail the rest.

 

To get more than 5 efiles you need to use one of the Intuit Products for Tax Professionals,  https://taxpro.intuit.com

 

And to prepare more than five e-files, you will need to sign up with the IRS as an ERO - an Electronic Returns Originator.  How to become an Authorized E-file Provider…..

http://www.irs.gov/Tax-Professionals/e-File-Providers-&-Partners/Become-an-Authorized-e-file-Provider

Level 15
Mar 27, 2022 5:25:21 PM

@Zumbaluz00 If you have the credentials to use professional tax software you can e-file more than five.

 

https://proconnect.intuit.com/?s_cid=TT.com_MoreProds-Footer_ProTaxSoftware

Level 15
Mar 27, 2022 5:31:57 PM


@Zumbaluz00 wrote:

I would like to know what is the name of your Turbotax  Product that I can use to E-File more then 5 returns
I need to do more for my family

Thanks a lot in advance


The Only way to e-file more than 5 tax returns is to use the Professional editions from Intuit - https://proconnect.intuit.com/proseries/

Level 2
Mar 9, 2025 5:37:58 PM

I am helping multiple family members with their taxes this year.  With the 2024 version of Turbo Tax Premiere, can I e-file more than five federal returns...for a cost...or is there an IRS limit to only allos e-filing five federal returns (for free) with one licensed Turbo Tax product?
Thanks

Level 15
Mar 9, 2025 5:40:17 PM

The five federal e-files is an IRS limit for personal tax preparation software.  After the 5 federal e-files all other tax returns can only be printed and mailed using TurboTax desktop editions.

Level 15
Mar 9, 2025 5:40:35 PM

Five federal e-files is an IRS limit--not a TurboTax limit.   With desktop download software you can prepare and e-file up to five federal returns and the state returns that go with them.  If you need to file additional returns they can be filed by mail.   You cannot pay an extra fee to get more e-files.

Level 15
Mar 9, 2025 5:44:17 PM

Do you have any simple ones?  Like for a child or student?  Maybe they can use the Online Free Edition?  Or the IRS Free File programs

Free File: Do your Federal Taxes for Free | Internal Revenue Service

Level 2
Mar 10, 2025 4:20:18 AM

My children had to be filed using the app becuase of having an HDCP HSA.  Thanks for the suggestion.

Level 2
Mar 10, 2025 4:21:20 AM

Thanks for the response.  Trying to decide if I want to help another family member...and I can as long as I send in the returns by mail.

Expert Alumni
Mar 10, 2025 5:10:16 AM

Yes, you can prepare. and file by mail, as many return as you need with the desktop software.   And the desktop software handles High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP) insurance with Health Savings Accounts (HSA).    @StaceyVA 

 

 

Level 2
Mar 10, 2025 6:07:56 AM

Thank you.  Yes, I was replying that I couldn't use the online filing for the HDHP HSA.