Family eFile questions

[Jeffery_H]

This is my first year using TurboTax for Windows, and I am a bit unsure about how the eFile works, and some other stuff.

When I go to eFile, who's e-mail address do I use? Mine which I used to register the software, and presumable has the 5 "free" federal eFiles, or the family member's?

Is there any issue with some of us having the same phone number? I don't think so, but we are talking about the government so perhaps they will have some sort of fit?

Anything else I should know about the process? Thanks.

[Kat · Accepted solution]

You'll find this process very simple.

I use the Desktop (CD/Download) software, too.  I enter the email address of the person who should receive the emailed message from TurboTax about the status of their e-filed return.  But if you're preparing a tax return for, say, a daughter that lives with you, you can use either your email address or hers.  The phone # on the return shouldn't make any difference.

Once you've completed the tax preparation process, you'll work all the way through the interview until you reach the point to "Transmit Return Now".  You can't miss it.  Once you've clicked on that icon, it's the same as dropping a mailed return into the mailbox.  There's no getting it back.

You'll receive an email from TurboTax indicating that your return has been successfully filed.  Soon, you'll receive an email from TurboTax letting you know if your return has been Accepted or Rejected by the IRS.  The "Accepted" status simply indicates that your return seems to be in order.  The IRS will, of course, later process your return for accuracy and approve your refund if applicable.

If your return is rejected by the IRS, you'll receive an email from TurboTax indicating what's wrong with your filed return and how to fix it.  A rejected return is the same as if it was never filed.  You'll correct the error, then re-submit your return.

Here's a TurboTax FAQ with a little more info:

How do I e-file my personal individual tax return? 

[VolvoGirl]

Do any of the returns have the same name initial as you or your spouse? There is a problem saving returns if 2 returns use the same initials, one will overwrite the other. So you have to be sure to save the returns with names completely different to keep them apart. Don't use the default name given by the program. Go up to File-Save As and give it a unique name.