This information is not current and is being provided for reference purposes only
IP 96(8.2)
FEDERAL/STATE ELECTRONIC FILING ELECTRONIC TAX FILING
This publication has been superseded by IP 99(31)
HOW DO I PARTICIPATE IN FEDERAL/STATE ELECTRONIC FILING?
Federal/State electronic filing for Connecticut returns is open to participants who have been accepted in the federal electronic filing program. All participants must use software approved for state electronic filing. Electronic filing transmitters wishing to participate must complete the application Form CT-8633. Applications can be mailed to:
Connecticut Department of Revenue Services
Electronic Filing Unit
PO Box 2964
Hartford, CT 06104-2964
In addition, the transmitter must subscribe or have access to the Centralized State Acknowledgment System (StAck). Before subscribing contact your software company to see if access to StAck is part of their service.
WHY IS THE IRS OFFERING FEDERAL/STATE ELF?
The concept is a winning one for all involved. The taxpayer gets a faster and more accurate refund, the tax preparer has a new service to offer clients, and the software developers benefit from the additional market. The program will increase participation in electronic filing, reduce processing costs (for both the IRS and Connecticut) and lessen the burden on the taxpayers.
HOW CAN I LEARN ABOUT FILING CONNECTICUT RETURNS?
The IP 94(8.4), Connecticut Federal/State Electronic Filing Handbook,, is available from the Department of Revenue Services. This handbook provides a background on the Federal/State ELF Program, details on the application process and instructions on filing paper documents associated with electronic filing. Additionally, the handbook includes problem resolution contacts and preparer responsibilities.
CONNECTICUT ELECTRONIC FILING CALENDAR
|
Federal/State Software Testing October 27, 1998 |
Federal/State ELF Begins Operations January 15, 1999 |
|
Last Date to Timely File Electronic Returns April 15, 1999 |
Last Date for Extended Filing October 15, 1999 |
WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF ELECTRONIC FILING
In coordination with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) is offering Connecticut residents the ability to file their income tax returns electronically as part of the Federal/State Electronic Filing (ELF) Program through a participating tax preparer or transmitter.
WHAT IS FEDERAL/STATE ELF?
Federal/State ELF is a one-stop filing program between the IRS and DRS. The project allows the filing of both federal and Connecticut income tax returns electronically through the IRS.
As tax preparers, you will be able to offer "one stop" filing service to your clients. In addition, you are assured that your returns have been received through the use of acknowledgment records from both the IRS and DRS.
Refer to the IP 94(8.4), Connecticut Federal/State Electronic Filing Handbook,, for a listing of Connecticut exclusions from electronic filing. Beginning January 15, 1999, DRS will accept returns showing refunds due, equal payment and balances due. Refunds should be issued within 4 days from the DRS acknowledgment date.
CAN A CONNECTICUT RETURN BE ELECTRONICALLY FILED BY ITSELF?
No. The state return must be transmitted with the federal return. If the federal return has been accepted and the state return is rejected, the state return cannot be retransmitted electronically through the IRS.
HOW DOES FEDERAL/STATE ELECTRONIC FILING WORK?
Tax preparers and transmitters accepted into the IRS electronic filing program are permitted to file both the federal and state return in one transmission to the IRS Center located in Andover, MA. The IRS, after acknowledging acceptance of the federal return to the transmitter, then creates a file containing state information that becomes available for electronic retrieval by DRS. DRS will acknowledge the receipt of the state return through the Centralized State Acknowledgment System (StAck).
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF FEDERAL/STATE ELECTRONIC FILING?
Everyone benefits! Taxpayers will receive both their Federal and State refunds faster. Electronic filers are assured of accurate transmission and acknowledgment of receipt of returns from the IRS within 48 hours and from the State within 72 hours. DRS benefits from increased accuracy of documents, and increased efficiency in forms processing. The IRS promotes wider acceptance of electronic filing through the cooperative Federal/State program.
DIRECT DEPOSIT
DRS provides taxpayers with the option of having their refunds deposited directly into their checking or savings account. DRS does not support Refund Anticipation Loans (RAL) due to existing offset agreements.
BALANCE DUE RETURNS
DRS accepts electronically filed balance due returns. For details, consult IP 94(8.4), Connecticut Federal/State Electronic Filing Handbook.
DO I NEED ANY SPECIAL EQUIPMENT TO PARTICIPATE?
Electronic filing requires a PC with a modem that will give you access to the IRS computer system. Federal requirements are listed in IRS Publication 1345, and state requirements are included in IP 94(8.4).
IS MY SOFTWARE COMPANY PROVIDING ELECTRONIC FILING?
Contact your software representative and ask if they will be supporting Federal/State Electronic Filing for Connecticut. Most major software companies participate in the program.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Connecticut Department of Revenue Services
Electronic Filing Unit
PO Box 2964
Hartford, CT 06104-2964
CT Electronic Filing Help Desk:
860-297-5979
IP 96(8.2)All taxesIssued: 11/05/98