I am writing a program to help you figure out your taxes. How can I file the result electronically? Where can I find resources on how to do this? Thanks.
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how to file electronically
Mar 14, 2005
5 Replies
What's next? Reinvent the wheel?
The IRS has publications that show the required data record layouts for various electronic equivalents to common forms. You will need to obtain the one pertaining to the 1040 series returns. When complete, you may have to get your software certified as compatible (especially if you intend to sell it to others). Each person who will be transmitting the results will need to enroll as an ERO. Are you certain you really want to do this?
You have to "enroll" at the IRS site
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This is to reduce fraud.
I looked into this a few years ago. There are instructions in some IRS publications, but it wasn't worth the trouble to me to get a 4800-B modem (not compatible with 9600 or higher modems). You need to be able to send a number of test returns, and you need to get a certification that you're not a tax criminal....
Probably not a realistic plan, but ...
Basics of electronic filing are in Pub 1345 (60 pages)
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Specifics for TY 2004 are in Pub 1345A (322 pages)
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Technical specifications are in Pub 1346 (1267 pages)
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The specifics and technical specs change every year and often (like this year) during the tax season.
-- Don EA in Upstate NY
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