e-File Atlas

ACA Direct

ACA is an association of tax preparers that directly transmit e-file returns to the IRS , using the Lacerte program to prepare those 1040 Federal and state returns.

This is a resource page for our clients to assist with questions you may have related to ACA.

When using the Validate/Send E-file wizard in the Individual program, the following screen will appear. This is what you should see as an ACA transmitter

The Lacerte program is providing the tax input, calculation and return diagnostics needed to create the electronic file. The program is not used to
transmit the return.

Apart from this, the procedures for creating, inputting and validating an electronic return are no different than for our other clients who use Lacerte to directly transmit to the IRS and states, and provide return status and acknowledgements.

To access the ACA website, click the following link: http://www.acadirect.com/

ACA offers direct filing for the following states: AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, UT, VA, VT, WI. Arizona and Utah are states that will be offered by ACA beginning with the TY06 season.

ACA is not available for Partnership, Corporate, Scorp, Exempt, Benefit, MA or MI-SBT returns

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the Send button greyed out in the Lacerte program when using the Lacerte Validate/Send E-file Wizard?

A: Please view screen shot above and explanation above.  With an ACA prep, you are responsible for transmitting the e-file return and receiving acknowledgements, not Lacerte.  The program validates the return and creates the electronic file only.

Q: Where is the electronic file located that will be used by ACA?

A: The file is located in the ?:\Lacerte\06Tax\Idata\ACA folder when created, where ? refers to the drive letter where your directory is located.  The ACA software will look for the electronic file in this location.

Q: Will my ACA prep prevent me from e-filing business returns?

A: No, the ACA prep file will only prevent you from e-filing Individual returns with Lacerte. You can otherwise electronically file all other returns offered by the Lacerte program.

Q: What setting in the program should I use in Screen 4.4 to designate the return as a Refund Anticipation Loan (RAL) return.

A: We advise to use either Option 3 or 4 under Screen 4.4 to designate the return as a RAL or ERC return. Actually, since the return is never received by Lacerte for processing,  if Option 1 or 2 is accidentally selected, ACA will be able to properly route the return to your participating bank.

Q: What is the website and/or phone number for ACA support?

A: Refer to the website address above or contact ACA at 800-454-3072.

Q: Who should I contact for questions regarding return status or processing of refund?

A: ACA will be able to assist you with all questions concerning the status of a return

or the processing of a refund.

Q: Why doesn't the status of my return change in the Lacerte program? The e-file return has been accepted.

A: After the return has been validated and created, the return status will remain as Ready To Send.  Since the return is not transmitted through the Lacerte program, this will not change.  The Ready To Send status does mean that the return file has been created in the ACA folder, ready for use by that software.

Q: Which program will I use to print my acceptance letters, ACA or Lacerte?

A: ACA.  If you are having difficulty printing the 9325, please contact ACA directly for further assistance.