Common questions about electronic filing of extensions in Lacerte

No tax return forms are transmitted when filing an extension electronically. Only the extension form is transmitted.

When e-filing an extension, you should select Start e-file Extension Wizard from the E-File menu.

Yes, the Federal extension can be sent with our without a payment. The balance due can be paid by check, credit card (via the IRS website), or direct debit. See the IRS Instructions for Form 4868 for more details.

Refer to this article for instructions on setting up payment of balance due via direct debit.

• Individual - Form 8878 - IRS e-file Signature Authorization for Application for Extension of time to file.
• Corporate, S-Corporate and Fiduciary - Form 8878-A - IRS Electronic Withdrawal Authorization for Form 7004.  

These forms are similar to Form 8879 and are required only when filing an electronic extension and paying the balance due electronically. These forms aren't mailed to the IRS and are kept by the ERO for 3 years.

No forms should be mailed to the IRS when e-filing the extension.

There's no confirmation number associated with an e-filed extension. The Accepted acknowledgement from the IRS is confirmation of the extension of time to file.

No, the acknowledgements for extension are retrieved in the same manner as that of an e-filed tax return. Select Step 3: e-file Acknowledgement Statuses and choose Receive Acknowledgement Statuses from the E-File dropdown menu in Lacerte.

No, the return can be filed on paper or electronically after the e-file extension has been Accepted. To file a paper return after e-filing the extension, remove the checkbox(es) on Screen 1, Client Information under the Electronic Returns section. This only applies if the client isn't mandated to e-file.

No, after the extension deadline has passed, the Lacerte e-file center won't accept extension returns with or without payments. Any payments made outside the return filing will need to be made using the method of payment options available on the IRS website.

Refer to the video below for instructions on e-filing a batch or group of extensions.

You may also refer to this article for step-by-step instructions.

Yes, the extension should be marked for Form 1120-H in Screen 12, Automatic Extension (7004).

Yes, state extensions can be sent along with the federal extension if the state requires one.

Yes, payments will need to be mailed unless Lacerte supports electronic payment with the state extension. See individual state instructions for more details.

Before you start

• If the state requires an extension to be filed, make sure the extension is marked to be e-filed on Screen 9, Extensions.
• If you're making a payment electronically, make sure the payment is marked to be paid with the extension on Screen 3, Miscellaneous Info./Direct Deposit.

Once the extension is properly marked on the Details tab, do the following:

1. From the E-File menu, select Start e-file Extension Wizard.
2. In the wizard, make sure that the appropriate state returns are checked to be e-filed.
3. Proceed through the e-file Extension Wizard.

Acknowledgments will show up with either an accepted or rejected status, much like they would for an e-filed return.

Refer to this article for more information on filing state extensions in the program.

Form 4868 must be e-filed by the due date of the tax return unless you meet the requirements of a U.S. Citizen and Resident Alien living abroad as defined by the IRS. Refer to U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad - Automatic 2 Month Extension of Time to File for more information.

Lacerte will let you e-file Form 4868 during the automatic 2-month period as long as there's a foreign address listed on Screen 1, Client Information.