Extensions FAQ

Sections

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Settings

What do the different E-Signature options mean?
  • E-Sign when all included extensions are allowed:
    Allows e-signing when all the included forms belong to states that accept e-signatures. If an included form belongs to a state that doesn't allow e-signatures, e-signing will not be available.
  • Review Extension Only:
    Disables e-signing for all included forms and only lets the taxpayer review the extension. Note: This prevents users in the firm from adding any signature controls.
  • Allow user to place signature control when applicable:
    Requires Review Extension Only to be turned on. When checked, this setting allows users to add signature controls to forms as needed.
How do I change the number of days a payment reminder is sent?

In Extensions, go to Settings > Vouchers and change the default reminder in the Payment Vouchers section.

Where is the Paper File Returns option in settings for Extensions? Paper File Returns are not currently supported for Extensions.
Do I need to print extension packages from my tax software in any special way? All that's required to upload an extension successfully are the federal extension forms (Form 4868, 7004, or 8868).
Is signer delegation available for Extensions? Yes. A system administrator can enable signer delegation by navigating to Extensions and going to Settings > E-Sign Options.
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Uploading

What tax software types are supported by Extensions?

CCH Axcess and ProSystem fx, UltraTax CS, Lacerte, and GoSystem Tax RS

What return types are supported by Extensions? 1040, 1041, 1120, 1120-S, 1065, and 990
What forms must be included in the extension package to upload?

A federal extension form must be a part of the extension package. If the federal form is not present, you will receive an upload error.

Federal forms for return types are:

  • Individual Extensions (1040): Form 4868 is required.
  • Entity Extensions (1041, 1120, 1120-S, 1065): Form 7004 is required.
  • Nonprofit Extensions (990): Form 8868 is required. 
Are filing instructions or transmittal letters required to be a part of the extension package? No. You can upload an extension package with or without filing instructions or transmittals. The only requirement is for the federal extension forms to be present.
Can the extension package contain estimated vouchers? Yes. You can upload an extension package with or without estimated vouchers.
Can I upload an extension package for multiple clients at a time?

Only CCH Axcess and ProSystem fx users can upload multiple extension packages.

UltraTax CS, Lacerte, and GoSystem Tax RS users can only upload one extension package at a time.

Can I restrict access to specific users for an extension? Yes. During the upload process, specify user permissions with the Set Access control. This feature allows specific users to have access to that extension package.
Can I upload and process state-only extension packages? No. Extensions does not currently support state-only extensions.
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Processing and delivering

Can I deliver an extension without a signature requirement?

Yes. You can send an extension without signature requirements.

Can I deliver an extension without a payment or estimated voucher?

Yes. You can send an extension with just extension forms that are not vouchers.

Will I be notified if an extension has already been delivered?

Yes. If an extension was previously delivered, users will see a pop-up when opening the extension for processing.

Will the email address be remembered in Extensions if a return was delivered through Returns last year?

If the user was added to Client Management, then yes. The Client ID will populate the email address in Extensions.  

Why is there no E-File or Vouchers tab visible when processing extensions?

Extension forms and vouchers vary between taxing authorities. Some authorities combine a signature form with the payment voucher and others have two separate forms. Combining all forms in the Filing Forms tab is more effective for recognizing them.

Will extension forms and vouchers be automatically recognized by Extensions?

Extensions should recognize extension forms and vouchers. If you see a discrepancy, users can edit the form while processing. Users can move a form to be a signature-required form, payment voucher, or both.

If a form is consistently not recognized, please submit a support ticket.

Can I add a signature stamp for an ERO like in Returns?

Yes. In Extensions, system administrators can go to Settings > General and turn on signature stamps.

Can I send additional signature documents when I deliver an extension?

Yes. Users can upload additional signature documents in the Additional E-Sign Documents tab.

Why are some signature options greyed out in the Delivery Options tab?

Users may be restricted to a limited set of signature options based on firm settings. Please reach out to your system administrator if you need access to a different signature option.

 

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Delivered extensions

Will I be able to see the client view after the extension is delivered?

Yes. Client view is available in the Extensions Report. Find the delivered extension, go to the More Actions (...) drop-down, and select Client View.

Is the screen share feature available for Extensions?

No. Screen sharing is not currently supported in Extensions.

If I deliver an extension in March with estimated payment vouchers and then deliver the tax return in July with updated estimated vouchers, will the taxpayer receive multiple reminders?

When delivering the return, you will see an option to disable reminders for the Extension. See the Voucher Reminders Features article for more information.

Can I change the status of an extension to Manually Signed?

Yes. In the Extensions Report, users can select single or multiple extensions and then click the Change Status button at the top.

Can I track client progress in Extensions?

Yes. Go to the Extensions Report and find the delivered extension. Click the More Actions (...) drop-down and select Client Tracking.

Will I be able to archive extensions after delivery and signing?

Yes. Users can move extensions to the archive folder.

 

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Client experience

Are clients required to sign extensions?

Signature requirements differ for each taxing authority. Not all taxing authorities require signatures.

What happens when an extension package is delivered to a client for review only?

The client can access the extension through the link and review the documents and payments (if applicable). However, they will not be prompted to sign any forms.

Will clients always have access to the Extension link?

The link remains active based on the retention policy set by the firm. System administrators can change the retention policy by going to Extensions > Settings > Security.

If an extension is sent with payment vouchers, will clients be able to click the Pay button and make a payment through the taxing authority’s website?

Yes. Clients see the same options as those available in Returns when they get to the payments section.

Can Extensions be accessed from a mobile device?

Extensions are not currently compatible with mobile devices. The Extension can be accessed from a laptop, desktop, or tablet. 

 

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