Completing the e-file Setup Wizard
PrerequisitesYou need an Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) to complete this exercise. If you don't have an EFIN, complete the exercises in the Applying to e-file section. If you have applied for an EFIN but haven't yet received it, you can use the EFIN provided in this exercise. |
LESSONS
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Objective
In this exercise, you will complete the e-file Setup Wizard that prepares the program for e-filing.
Facts
Start the e-file Setup Wizard and enter the appropriate information. This wizard runs the first time you install the program or access electronic filing.
Program Considerations
The purpose of the wizard is to automate the entering of your EFIN in the options and to connect to Lacerte to initialize your batch counters. If the wizard has already run, then your program is setup for e-filing.
How?
To complete the e-file Setup Wizard:
- Click Yes when the program asks, "Do you intend to e-file this year?"
Note: If you click No, the wizard closes. See Troubleshooting below.
- Click Next when the wizard opens.
- Enter your EFIN and click Next. If you do not have an EFIN then enter 999999. If you use this sample EFIN, make sure to replace it with your actual EFIN before transmitting returns for your clients.
Note: This screen will not appear if an EFIN was entered in the prior year program. This will already be in the Firm Info tab of the Options.
- Enter the preparer(s) for your firm and click Next.
Note: This screen will not appear if preparers were entered in the prior year program. They will already be in the Preparers tab of the Options. You can also leave this screen blank and enter preparers later.
- The next step involves connecting to Lacerte to initialize the batch counter. If your computer has a modem or Internet connection, click Next.
- The program connects to Lacerte.
- Once complete, click Finish to close the wizard.
Tips & Shortcuts
Your EFIN is entered in the Firm Info tab of the Options.
The Batch counter on your computer can be reset by clicking Reset DCN Counter on the E-File / e-file Support Tools menu.
Review
You should now be familiar with the e-file Setup Wizard.
Troubleshooting
Problem: I clicked No when the e-file Setup Wizard first appeared. How do I get back to it?
Solution: If the wizard has not been completed, you can click the
icon in the toolbar. This re-opens the wizard.
Problem: I currently don't have a modem or Internet connection on my computer, but I want to complete the e-file Setup Wizard.
Solution: When prompted to connect to Lacerte (step 5 above), select This computer does not.... and click Next.
Then enter a number between 1 and 99 in the following screen and click Next.
Click Finish to close the wizard.