Q1. When will the forms be ready to file?
As you know, there are two different filing types; paper and e-file. Therefore, there are two different processes and availability dates. In order to provide the most current information to help you determine whether or not you're ready to file we provide resources updated daily:
Q2. Why are the dates different for print and e-file forms? It seems as though e-file is much faster than print forms?
When the new tax season kicks off, the IRS and State Agencies provide an updated e-file handbook in addition to any new business rules and updated schema formatting. This allows our developers to update the way the data entered in the program is translated to XML for E-file.
Our development team is then able to test the transmission of the data to verify it meets the e-file schema requirements.
This is also why it's important to keep your program up-to-date, especially when e-filing. You want to make sure you’re transmitting the most current xml data as schema rules are often updated throughout the year.
Q3. Why do print forms seem to take longer?
Let's take a look at the process forms go through before they can be made available in the program.
It all begins with the IRS and State Agency form & instruction publication. Once the forms are ready our developers work to make sure the forms in the program are updated, including all related detail input, barcodes (when applicable), and form calculations that require adjustment.
The forms are then tested on our end for accuracy and sent to the IRS/State Agency where they undergo an approval process.
If anything fails or needs to be adjusted due to last-minute changes, the forms are then updated once again, tested, and resubmitted for approval.
Once a form is approved, the program is updated, the watermark is removed, the LFS tool is updated, and the forms are then ready for print.
Q4. Why are other programs showing their forms available before mine?
At Intuit we work to provide high-quality content to avoid any extra work on your part.
While other programs may provide a form based on the prior year tax forms, which allows you to get started much quicker. It’s much more likely to result in a conversation with your client around amendment and changes in calculation.
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