IMPORTANT REMINDER
EFC and IRS E-filing Shutdown for TY 2018-2020 -
Individual Returns
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.
