e-file Error: There are no electronic filing files to error check

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Scenario

When you create an e-file in UltraTax CS, you might see this error.

Error message

There are no electronic filing files to error check. Either the files were suppressed or there is data entry preventing their creation.

Cause

This error can happen if:

  • The taxing authority (IRS, DOL, state authority, or others) doesn't allow e-filing for the return type. 
  • There are options marked in the client that stop the e-file from creating.
  • There is a problem in the program during the e-file creation.

Solution

Close and re-open

This is the fastest way to try to fix this, so try it first. Close UltraTax CS, then re-open it. You can also try closing, right-clicking the desktop icon and choosing Run this program as an administrator. When it asks if you want to allow the program to make changes to the computer, click Yes.

Note: If you are running UltraTax CS on Virtual Office or Software as a Service (SaaS), close all applications and use the Log Off Applications Utility.

Make sure the taxing authority allows e-filing

  1. Check the type of return you're filing. You can see it in File > Client Properties.
  2. Check Entities and years supported for electronic filing to see if the return is accepted for e-filing.
  3. If the return can be e-filed, go to the next step. If the return cannot be e-filed, you need to paper file.

Make sure it's not suppressed

You have the option to suppress e-files for the entire return, for just the federal, or for just a state. You need to check all of these.

1. For both returns and extensions:

  1. Go to the ELF screen in the Electronic Filing folder.
  2. Look for the File this return electronically field. Then:
    • If the field is not marked, mark it. Then try to create the e-file again.
    • Or, if the field is marked, unmark it. Then choose File > Preview. Close the preview and re-mark the File this return electronically option. Then try to create the e-file again.

2. If this is for an extension, try these steps, too:

  1. Go to the ELF screen in the Electronic Filing folder and make sure File extension electronically is marked.
  2. Choose File > Print Extensions > Options button > Extension Print Options tab. Look for the First extension or Second extension field. Mark the option for whichever extension you're trying to create.

3. Check these federal options for the type of return you're trying to create:

1040

  1. Go to the ELF screen in the Electronic Filing folder. Make sure Suppress the creation of: Federal electronic file(s) when only filing the state return/extension electronically is not marked.
  2. Also on the ELF screen, make sure that the Taxpayer(s) choose(s) to file the federal return on paper field is not marked.

1120

  1. Go to the ELF screen in the Electronic Filing folder. Make sure Suppress the creation of: Federal electronic file(s) when only filing the state return/extension electronically is not marked.
  2. If you're licensed for FileCabinet CS, go to Setup > Office Configuration > FileCabinet CS tab and unmark Print K1 packages to FCS drawer.

1065

  1. Go to the ELF screen in the Electronic Filing folder. Make sure Suppress the creation of: Federal electronic file(s) when only filing the state return/extension electronically is not marked.
  2. If you're licensed for FileCabinet CS, go to Setup > Office Configuration > FileCabinet CS tab and unmark Print K1 packages to FCS drawer.

1041

  1. Go to the ELF screen in the Electronic Filing folder. Make sure Suppress the creation of: Federal electronic file(s) when only filing the state return/extension electronically is not marked.
  2. Go to the ELF screen in the Electronic Filing folder. Make sure that the Taxpayer(s) choose(s) to file the federal return on paper field is unmarked.

4. If you have a state return, check these:

  1. In the open client, click the tab for federal Screen ELF.
  2. Make sure the Suppress the creation of: State electronic file(s) when only filing the federal return/extension electronically field is not marked.
  3. For each state in the return, go to the input screen where electronic filing information is entered and make sure the Suppress [name of state] electronic file when filing federal return or extension electronically field is not marked.
  4. Choose Setup > Office Configuration > E-Filing tab > States button. Make sure the checkbox for the state is marked. 

Troubleshoot your computer

  1. Restart your computer.
  2. Clear your temp directory. You can search Windows for "Disk cleanup" or work with your IT professional.

Network installations only

If you're on a network:

  1. Close UltraTax CS. Then ask someone else in the office to try to create the e-file. If it works, try it on your computer again.
  2. If you couldn't create it on another computer, keep UltraTax CS closed and ask someone else on the network to go to Help > Repair > File Locks tab and delete your user lock.
  3. Open UltraTax CS and try to create the e-file again.
  4. If that doesn't work, close UltraTax CS again. Then browse to to X:\WinCSI\UTYYSys\UID and delete file with your computer name.

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Internal only

Other things to try: 

  • Reinstall the affected product(s)
  • Rename the ELFSTAT.DAT file, then rename it back.