E file question

[21norman02]

I am doing taxes for a family member for the first time and want to efile for them.

They do not live with me and want to know if there is somewhere in completing the efiling on Turbotax that I can list a separate email address for them so they can receive info directly from the IRS on the filing status.  Is this possible, or after efiling for them would all responses have to come to my email...and then I forward to them?

[bluedeb]

You can only enter one email address when you file.  Since the return is for your family member you should enter their email address.  The email address is for the taxpayer to receive the status of the tax return, whether accepted or rejected.  If the IRS or State need to contact the taxpayer, they do it by a letter not by email.

[DoninGA]

In the File section of the program you will be asked to provide an email address.  The email address you enter will be used by TurboTax to send messages concerning the the status of the tax return.  Once the IRS has accepted the tax return TurboTax receives no further information concerning the tax return or the tax refund.

Note - The IRS does not send emails or telephone taxpayers concerning the tax return or the tax refund.

Once the tax return has been accepted by the IRS use the federal tax refund website to check the refund status - https://www.irs.gov/refunds

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

I prepare returns for several other family members.   When I get the email that tells me if the return was accepted by the IRS or state, I just forward the email to the family member, or text them to let them know their return was accepted.

After that, if they know their refund amount from their Form 1040, they can track it themselves on the IRS site.

[VolvoGirl]

@21norman02  Are you using the Online web version or the Desktop CD/Download program?  It might make a difference or not.  

[21norman02]

Will I then be replacing my email address which I have used to file??

[21norman02]

CD download

[bluedeb]

@21norman02  If you already entered your email, that is fine.  You can just let your family member know if their return was accepted or rejected.  The email address is only for getting the status of the filed return.

[xmasbaby0]

@21norman02 No do not change your email address.    

When you e-file your federal return you will receive two emails from TurboTax.  The first one will say that your return was submitted.  The second email will tell you if your federal return was accepted or rejected.  If you e-filed a state return, there will be a third email to tell you if the state accepted or rejected your state return.

It really is simple.   When you get back the emails that say if the return was accepted if you want to forward the email to your family member just forward it the same way you would forward any other email.

Or text them or call them up and say,  "The IRS accepted your tax return"   Make sure they know their refund amount and they can use the IRS and state refund sites to track their own refunds.   Or if they need extra hand-holding and help, track their refund for them and let them know when it has been issued.  

Up to you---- but I always immediately print out paper copies of their returns and mail them to my family members so they have hard copies for their own records.

[mightymoke]

I do my daughters taxes and she does not live with me.  When I do her taxes I have to start a return with her personal information that is separate from mine, in other words I have to do 2 returns, one for her and one for me.  When it gets to the Efile page I just enter her email, drivers license and phone number. If there is any type of problem she  gives me a call and we get it fixed.  We have been doing this for 10 years and it works out fine.  I hope that this helps you.