More than five returns

[imageprods]

I need to prepare more than 5 Partnership 1065 returns. Is the limit for free e-file five or can I only prepare 5 returns and will need to purchase an additional license to do 5 more? 

Thank you. 

[Anonymous_ · Accepted solution]

There is an IRS e-file limit for DIY software (an extra license will not help).

You can print and mail an unlimited number of 1065s, however.

[imageprods]

The limit of five is for the individual efiling the returns with the same SS #? Thank you. 

[Anonymous_ · Accepted solution]

The limit is five for any one individual preparing returns so, for example, a taxpayer could conceivably prepare and e-file a joint return for that taxpayer and a spouse and also a return for each of the taxpayer's 4 children. 

In other words, it is not the same social security number on a return. 

[Anonymous_ · Accepted solution]

Also note that TurboTax (intuit) is the ERO and you need to be the ERO in order to e-file more than 5 returns with one software package.

On the other hand, I believe it is acceptable to e-file five individual tax returns with a TurboTax individual tax preparation product and then another five returns with TurboTax Business.

[imageprods]

Thank you.  I would assume that if my Assistant comptroller filed the returns for LLC #6-8 and I filed for LLC #1-5 that would be just fine? And if so, the assistant comptroller would need his own license to TurboTax? Thanks very much. 

[Opus 17]

We don't know exactly how it is enforced, but the limit appears to be both "per taxpayer" and "per program."  In other words, if I install Turbotax on my computer and try to prepare tax returns for 10 people with different SSNs, only the first 5 will be e-filable.  But I can't get around that limit by buying a second copy of Turbotax and installing it on a second, separate computer.

Even if you could discover a trick to e-file more than 5 returns (and I can think of several things I could try, although I don't know if they would work), it would be a violation of IRS regulations, so it doesn't seem wise to push it.

[Anonymous_]

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@imageprods wrote:

Thank you.  I would assume that if my Assistant comptroller filed the returns for LLC #6-8 and I filed for LLC #1-5 that would be just fine? And if so, the assistant comptroller would need his own license to TurboTax? Thanks very much. 

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I would assume that as well, @imageprods, if the comptroller had his own license. You might want to check with Support for confirmation.

What is the TurboTax phone number? (intuit.com)

[Opus 17]

@imageprods 

The license terms technically allow you (the purchaser) to install the program on up to five computers that you own and prepare as many returns as you need to prepare, with the first five able to be e-filed. The license does not allow you to share your copy with four friends or colleagues.  So if you are going to try to get around the 5 e-file limit by having your comptroller prepare some of the returns on a separate computer, then under the terms of the license, the comptroller needs to purchase a separate copy.

After that, we can’t guarantee whether the IRS will allow those returns to actually be e-filed. As I said, we don’t know all the details on how the IRS enforces the limit, so we can’t make any guarantees that paying for two copies of TurboTax business will actually accomplish your goal.  

You might want to look into Intuit’s professional level software, which does not have the same limitations (although I’m sure it has other rules you would need to follow and I can’t vouch for the cost).  https://proconnect.intuit.com

[imageprods]

Thank you. I'm not looking to get around the rules (TurboTax license or IRS)  just understanding what they actually are so I don't find out at the 11th hour I cannot submit my returns for each of my LLCs via efile.  Just doing my due diligence so I have the necessary resources in place. Thank you. 

[Critter-3]

FYI ... the 5 return limitation is set by the IRS.   If a person needs to file more than that they need to use a professional program or a professional. 

[Anonymous_]

@imageprods 

Whatever you do, I would recommend that you forget about using Intuit's professional software as you will need an EFIN (i.e., you need to become an authorized e-file provider) and it is likely more trouble than it is worth (not to mention the learning curve).