Getting Started

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     High-level Overview

     Step-by-step Instructions


High-level Overview

To e-file your tax return with eFile Express:

  1. Download the eFile Express installation program from this website.
  2. Download the tax forms that you need to e-file from this website as well. To simplify your download of multiple forms, we've grouped a number of related forms into FormPaks™ which allow you to access several forms with just one download.
  3. Install the eFile Express software on your PC.
  4. Start eFile Express and open the tax forms and/or FormPaks™ you downloaded in Step 2.
  5. Enter your tax data directly on the tax forms by clicking on the highlighted fields and typing your information. Move from page to page by clicking the form's name in the left-hand window.
  6. When complete, visually verify your return for completeness. For example, the IRS requires that you include "electronic" copies of your W-2 when you e-file your return. Be sure to type the information from your paper W-2's into the electronic W-2's included with the FormPaks.
  7. Using the "Setup" menu option, complete the following:
    1. Taxpayer Info - Provide any missing contact information.
    2. e-File Options - Indicate where you want us to sent your return(s) to and provide information to electronically "sign" your tax return.
    3. Payment Info - Provide account information to electronically pay for the eFile Express service.
  8. e-File your return(s)! Click on to encrypt your tax data and send it to the eFile Express Processing Center. We'll format your return and forward it the appropriate federal and/or state taxing authorities. Within 24-48 hours of e-filing your return, you can get an update on the acceptance status of your return by starting eFile Express, loading your return and clicking on .

 

Step-by-step Instructions

The following instructions are for those who want very detailed directions on how to download, install and use the eFile Express software on their PC. Note that while this list may appear to be lengthy because of the level of detail, the actual time to complete the download and installation steps is less than 5 minutes.

  1. Download and install eFile Express from this website.
    1. Go to the Download page.
    2. Click the " eFile Express 2023" link.
    3. A "File Download" window will appear asking if you want to Run/Open 1 the file or Save it. Select Run/Open 1. The eFile Express installation program will now be downloaded to your PC.
    4. Once the download is complete, the installation program will attempt to run. If you are using Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8 or Windows 7, you may receive a security warning asking whether you want to run the "eFile Express Installation Program" from Smartrak Group. If you get this message, select Run.
    5. The installation program should now start. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation of the software.
    6. Once installed, the eFile Express icon will be placed on your Windows desktop. Continue to Step 2 to download any tax forms you need to include with your tax return.
  2. Download the tax forms that you need to e-file from this website as well. To simplify your download of multiple forms, we've grouped a number of related forms into FormPaks which allow you to access several forms with just one download.
    1. Go to the Download page.
    2. Depending on the forms that you need, click on "IRS Forms" or "State Forms".
    3. To download a FormPak file, place the mouse pointer over the file name and click the right mouse button. Select "Save Target As…". Specify a location on your PC where you want to save the file to. Write down the location. You will need it in Step 4. Do not change the name of the files that you're downloading.
  3. Start eFile Express.
    1. Double-click the eFile Express icon to start the program.
    2. Note that a "Quick Start" help window appears that gives a brief overview of how to use eFile Express. You can prevent this window from coming up each time you start the software by checking the appropriate box.
    3. More complete help and answers to questions you may have regarding how to use the software can be easily accessed by clicking .
  4. Open the tax forms and/or FormPaks you downloaded in Step 2.
    1. Click "Add Form" and navigate to the location where you downloaded the forms to. Select the file, then click "Open".
    2. You will now see a list of all forms included in the FormPak file. Depending on your tax situation, you may not need to e-file all of the forms listed OR you may need to file multiple copies of a form (for example, a W-2). Specify the forms (and the number of copies of each form) that you want included in your return. Click "OK".
    3. The blank copies of the tax forms are added to your tax return. If you need to add additional forms to your return -- either now or at a later time -- repeat Step 4.
  5. Save your tax return to your PC.
    1. Click "Save" and give your return a meaningful name ("YourName_20nn", "20nnTaxReturn", "Smith, Joe&MaryTaxReturn_20nn"). Click "OK".
    2. Your tax return is now saved on your PC.
    3. As you add data to your return, click the "Save" button to save all of your work up to that point.
    4. Because your tax return is saved to your PC, you have the flexibility to work on your return when your schedule allows. You can leave the software at any time and pick-up your tax return where you left off by starting eFile Express, clicking "Open" and pointing to the file you saved.
  6. Enter your tax data.
    1. Enter your tax data directly on the tax forms by clicking on the highlighted fields and typing your information.
    2. If a field is not highlighted, it means that the field is computed from data that you enter elsewhere (either on that form or another form). If in doubt, read the instructions for that line of the tax form to find out where the data will be coming from.
    3. To enter data on another form, click the form's name in the left-hand window.
  7. When complete, visually verify your return for completeness. For example, the IRS requires that you include "electronic" copies of your W-2 when you e-file your return. Be sure to type the information from your paper W-2's into the electronic W-2's included with the FormPaks.
  8. Using the "Setup" menu option, complete the following:
    1. Taxpayer Info - Provide any missing contact information.
    2. e-File Options - Indicate where you want us to sent your return(s) to and provide information to electronically "sign" your tax return (if required).
    3. Payment Info - Provide account information to electronically pay for the eFile Express service.
  9. e-File your return(s).
    1. Click on to encrypt your tax data and send it to the eFile Express Processing Center. We'll format your return and forward it the appropriate federal and/or state taxing authorities.
    2. Within 24-48 hours of e-filing your return, you can get an update on the acceptance status of your return by starting eFile Express, loading your return and clicking on .

Notes

1 Depending on your version of Windows and the browser you are running, this option will either be "Run" or "Open".