IRS has announced its MeF (e-file) shutdown and cutover for Tax Year 2021. To ensure that all Form 1040 tax returns e-filed through the MeF system are processed in a timely manner, submissions must occur before IRS shuts down the system on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time.
In order to allow the states ample time for processing these returns, the Wolters Kluwer E-File Center (EFC) will stop accepting individual returns (both federal and state) for the current processing year on Tuesday, November 16th at 11:59 pm Eastern Time.
1040 E-file submissions for Tax Years 2018, 2019 and 2020 are included in this change. Because not all state agencies process returns in “real-time”, this schedule should allow sufficient time for agencies to post their acknowledgements for the WK EFC to pick up.
After the shutdown occurs, the WK EFC will not accept individual returns (federal and/or state) until IRS comes back online in early January 2022. However, preparers can continue picking up acknowledgements through mid-December.
Important to Note:
- Tax Year 2018 returns will no longer be eligible for e-filing by the WK EFC after Tuesday, November 16th at 11:59 pm Eastern Time. Any acknowledgements must be retrieved by the user no later than mid-December for TY18 e-files. EFC for TY18 will not be available after mid-December 2021 to pick up these acks.
- Business Returns: Business returns are not affected by this schedule as IRS has not yet announced the business cutover schedule and will do so at a later time.
- Disaster Relief Extension to File: This shutdown will also affect taxpayers who received a disaster relief extension to file. If the disaster extended due date falls within this shutdown time frame, you must do one of the following:
- Submit the returns electronically before the shutdown begins.
- Hold the return and transmit it when the IRS reopens in January.
- File them on paper after the shutdown. If filed on paper, applicable opt-out documentation may be necessary. Please consult the taxing authority guidelines on how to opt-out of electronic filing.
