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Follow the procedures below to enter electronic filing opt-out options for the preparer and the taxpayer.

Setting the preparer electronic file mandate for all clients

To set the preparer electronic file mandate for all clients, follow the appropriate procedure.

Filing less than 11 (total for all preparers) 1040, 1040NR, and 1041 returns

If the number of 1040, 1040NR, and 1041 returns that the firm files is less than 11 (total for all preparers), do the following:

1. Choose Setup > Office Configuration.
2. Click the E-Filing tab, and mark the Mark this option to suppress Form 8948 for the 1040 and 1041 returns filed on paper. By marking this option we are indicating that all the preparers of this firm are not covered for the Electronic Filing Mandate of having fewer than 11 total returns checkbox.

There are currently no other reporting requirements if you are not a "specified tax return preparer" per the electronic filing mandate.

Other exceptions

If you do not electronically file the return for a reason other than you are filing less than 11 (total for all preparers) 1040, 1040NR, and 1041 returns, such as an approved Form 8944, Preparer e-file Hardship Waiver Request, do the following:

1. Choose Setup > Office Configuration.
2. Click the Preparers tab, highlight the applicable preparer, and click the Edit button.
3. Click the Electronic Filing mandate: Exceptions button.
4. In the Electronic Filing Mandate Exceptions dialog, set options, such as the date Form 8944 is approved; the waiver reference number provided by the IRS upon acceptance of a waiver; and other reasons for not electronically filing, such as "Applied not yet accepted (EFIN application)" for a pending application to electronically file returns, for all clients. UltraTax CS uses this information to complete Form 8948, Preparer Explanation for Not Filing Electronically, which must be attached to paper filed returns.

Entering data for the taxpayer opt-out options

If the taxpayer chooses to file their return on paper, do the following:

1. With the client's return open, navigate to Screen ELF in the Electronic Filing folder.
2. Mark the Taxpayer(s) choose(s) to file the federal return on paper checkbox. When you mark this checkbox, UltraTax CS prints a Taxpayer Opt-out E-filing Declaration with the return. The taxpayer must sign the statement, which the preparer should retain; the statement is not filed with the IRS.

   Form 8948 also prints and is attached to the paper return in this case.

Form 8948, Paper Filing Exceptions for a specified tax return preparer

Entering data for Form 8948

1. With the client's return open, navigate to Screen ELF in the Electronic Filing folder.
2. In the Form 8948 - Paper Filing Exceptions section, enter paper file exceptions for the specific tax return, such as IRS error codes or UltraTax CS error codes that cannot be resolved, or any other circumstance that prevent the return from being electronically filed.

Printing Form 8948

When Form 8948 is printing, an error appears that indicates there are no electronic files. Either the files were suppressed or there is data entry that prevents creation of the electronic file.

If you need to create the electronic file in lieu of paper filing the return with Form 8948 attached, mark the Suppress Form 8948 field in Screen ELF.

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