Manually E-Filing Tax Forms Missed by Auto E-File

Overview

This article explains why tax forms may not be filed automatically during Auto E-File and how to manually e-file forms that were missed. Use this guidance to identify common reasons forms are bypassed, review available diagnostic information, and complete the e-filing process for both current and past-due periods within the applicable tax year.

Common Reasons a Form Is Not Auto E-Filed

If a form did not file automatically during Auto E-File and no reason is listed under Payroll Center > Manage Compliance, the most common causes include:

  • Unpaid tax liabilities — forms with outstanding balances cannot be auto e-filed.
  • Missing or incorrect information on the form, such as a missing bank account, FEIN, or state ID.
  • Payment issues, such as a payment not being recorded or a payment amount exceeding the federal threshold.
  • Errors detected during Auto E-File that cause the form to be bypassed.

Where to Check for Filing Issues

Before manually filing a form, review Payroll Center > Manage Compliance to see whether any specific filing issues have been flagged for the affected period. If a reason is listed, address that issue first. If no reason is listed, proceed with manual e-filing using the steps below — the system will surface any blocking issues when the form is submitted.

How to Manually E-File a Tax Form

Use these steps to manually e-file a tax form for any period in the applicable tax year:

  1. Open the client record in the system.
  2. Select the Tax Forms tab.
  3. Select the File Tax Forms tab.
  4. Change the period to the one you want to file.
  5. Select the checkbox to the left of the Form ID you want to file.
  6. Select the Lightning Bolt symbol at the bottom of the screen.
  7. Review any messages the system displays. If the form cannot be e-filed, the system will indicate the specific reason so it can be addressed before resubmitting.

Handling Past-Due Forms

Forms that are significantly past their original filing due date may need to be filed manually outside of the system, as electronic filing windows can close for certain periods. Forms that are not yet past the e-filing window can still be e-filed through the manual process described above. After attempting to manually e-file, address any errors reported by the system and resubmit, or proceed with a manual filing if the period is no longer eligible for e-file.

Key Takeaways

  • Auto E-File can bypass a form for several reasons, including unpaid liabilities, missing information, payment issues, or errors detected during processing.
  • Always check Payroll Center > Manage Compliance first to see whether a specific reason has been recorded.
  • Manual e-filing is performed through the client's Tax Forms > File Tax Forms tab using the Lightning Bolt symbol.
  • The system will display the reason a form cannot be e-filed when manual filing is attempted, making it easier to address issues.
  • Forms that are significantly past due may need to be filed manually outside of the system if they are no longer eligible for e-file.