In case you are eligible to e-file your federal tax return, the 'Proceed with e-file' option will show on Step 8 Finalizing, sub-step Download files. Once you click on the e-file option, the system will take you to the next and final step of the process: Step 8 Finalizing, sub-step E-file. To e-file your federal tax return, you will have to enter all the required information. Here's a breakdown of each e-file question:
1. Have you e-filed your federal tax return last year?
This question asks if you have e-filed your tax return last year. If you have and you select ‘Yes’ you will be asked about the 5-digit PIN that you have used for your last year's e-filing:
If you remember the e-file PIN that you used last year, please select 'Yes' and enter it. It must be the same exact one. If you do not remember your PIN, you can use your last year's AGI in such case. You should enter the AGI from your last federal tax return on question "Please enter the AGI from your last processed federal tax return" and you will be able to proceed further.
If this is your first time e-filing, please create a 5-digit PIN and make sure to remember it.
2. Please enter the AGI from your last processed Federal tax return.
To answer that question, please retrieve a copy of your last processed federal tax return. The Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) can be found on line 11 of your last processed Federal tax return. If this is your first time filing a tax return, please enter ‘0’ (zero).
3. Did you get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) for filing your 2024 tax return?
This question asks whether you have personally requested an IP PIN from the IRS. An IP PIN is a 6-digit number that prevents somebody else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). If you have requested such PIN from the IRS, please make sure to enter it. Otherwise, select ‘No’.
After you confirm that the information that you have provided the Sprintax software with is accurate and you consent to the e-file policy, you will be asked about the one-time password. It is issued via an automated email sent to the email address that you originally registered your Sprintax account with. Please check your email account for the password. If you do not see it, please make sure to check your Spam/Junk folder. Once you locate it, please enter it in Sprintax and attempt to e-file your return.
Info: Once you’ve attempted to e-file your Federal tax return, the IRS will need around 3-5 days to process it. The status of each e-filed return can be ‘Pending’, ‘Accepted’ or ‘Rejected’. You can keep track of the status of your e-file on Step 8 Finalizing, sub-step Download files. While you wait for the IRS to process your e-file, the status of it would be ‘Pending’. Once the IRS checks your e-file and there is no mismatch in the information that you’ve provided, your e-file will be ‘Accepted’. In case the IRS comes across any discrepancy in the provided details, your e-file will get rejected and you will have to submit your federal tax return on paper. You will receive an email to inform you of the outcome of your e-file.
Important: Only the federal tax return can be e-filed. Any other tax forms prepared by Sprintax such as the state tax return, FICA refund claim, form 8843 etc. must be submitted on paper. However if your 8843 form is included in your e-filed federal tax return package then you do not have to mail it.