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E-File Resources

E-file Glossary


Acceptance The IRS has reviewed the e-file and it meets IRS e-file requirements. When an e-file is accepted, you will receive an Accepted acknowledgment. An accepted return is considered 'filed.'
Acknowledgements ACKS. An official electronic notice from the IRS or State Tax Authority indicating if the e-file was accepted and considered 'filed' or rejected and considered 'Not filed.'
DCN Declaration Control Number. A unique number assigned to each tax return per IRS requirements. The DCN is automatically generated by ProSeries and Lacerte once the return has passed electronic filing checks.
Drain Times IRS cut off times for processing and posting refunds. Drain times are posted in Lacerte Support Bulletins at the beginning of each season.
e-file Complete
e-file status. The IRS has received and accepted the return and you have printed the acknowledgment letter. You should now mail Form 8453 to the IRS, if you are not using the PIN program. No other action for the return should be necessary.
EFIN Electronic Filing Identification Number. The IRS uses this number to identify tax preparers who e-file returns. You can apply for an EFIN using Form 8633. You must have an EFIN before you can e-file tax returns.
ERO Electronic Return Originator. An ERO is a person who is an Authorized e-file Provider that originates the electronic submission of a tax return. The ERO may be the person who prepares the tax return and obtains the taxpayer's signature on Form 8453 before transmitting the return.
Form 2350 Application for Extension of Time to File U.S. Income Tax Return. Send this form as your first extension.
Form 2688 Application for Additional Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. Send this form as your second extension.
Form 4868 Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. Send this form with your e-file return to automatically apply for an extension of time to file.
Form 8453 U.S. Individual Income Tax Declaration for an IRS e-file Return. This is an IRS form required for each return filed electronically. Form 8543 must be submitted the workday after an electronic return originator receives acknowledgment that the return has been accepted. This form is a summary of tax information, authorization for the ERO to file the return electronically and the signature document for the tax return. The Form 8453 must be signed by the taxpayer(s) and ERO and mailed to IRS with supporting source documents as listed in Publication 1345.
Form 8633 Application to Participate in the IRS e-file Program. Send this form in to apply for an EFIN.
Form 8879 IRS e-file Signature Authorization Form. Records the PINs used when e-filing a paperless return.
Form 8878 IRS e-file Signature Authorization for Application for Extension of Time to File. Records the PINs used when e-filing extensions and using electronic payment.
Intuit Electronic Filing Center A transmission center for acceptance of electronic transactions to be sent to the IRS.
Piggyback state (JELF) A state that we recommend be e-filed with a federal return. Also known as Federal/State e-file or Joint Electronic Filing (JELF).
PIN Preparer Identification Number. A preparer must assign himself a PIN when using paperless e-filing. OR Personal Identification Number. Each client must assign himself a PIN when using paperless e-filing.
Publication 1345 The IRS publishes an "Electronic Filing Handbook" annually describing the application process, responsibilities of the ERO, reject codes and other related information for participants in electronic filing. It is important for you to obtain a copy from your local IRS EF coordinator or from the IRS Internet site.
Standalone state A state that can be e-filed with a federal return or separate from a federal return.
State Only E-fiing a state directly to the State Taxing Authority, without including the Federal return.

Lacerte Software E-File Terminology


Activity Report A statement created by the tax program that includes the client number, DCN, SSN, type of returns, status history, and any IRS Rejects received (Complete activity only).
CSM e-file status (Customer Service Message). Lacerte has stopped the return and issued an informational message to the user.
Failed Validation e-file status within Lacerte tax software. The program found some problems with the return when you checked the file for e-file errors. You must fix these before creating and sending the e-file. To review the e-file errors, click the status in the Client list or click the Diagnostics tab.
IRS Accepted e-file status within Lacerte tax software. The IRS has received and accepted the return.
IRS Rejected e-file status within Lacerte tax software. The IRS has received and rejected the return. Review the reason for the IRS rejection. You may be able to correct the return, re-create the e-file, and re-file the return to the IRS.
Ready to Send e-file status within Lacerte tax software. The tax program has validated the return and the return can now be sent to Lacerte.
Received at Lacerte e-file status within Lacerte tax software. Lacerte has received the return. You receive an electronic postmark at this time.
Rejected e-file status within Lacerte tax software. The IRS has received and rejected the return. Review the reason for the IRS rejection. You may be able to correct the return, re-create the e-file, and re-send the return to the IRS.
Sent to Lacerte
 e-file status within Lacerte tax software. You have sent the return to Lacerte but have not received acknowledgment that Lacerte has received the return.
Sent to IRS/State e-file status within Lacerte tax software. Lacerte has sent the return to the IRS. You can expect the IRS Acknowledgment within 12 to 48 hours.
Transmission Failed e-file status within Lacerte tax software. The e-file did not transmit to Lacerte. You must re-create the e-file and re-send it to Lacerte.
Validate Checks for any errors within Lacerte tax software that might cause a Reject. The program always validates before you create or send the e-file, or when you print e-file forms. You can also only validate the e-file.