General Questions About eSmart’s Online Tax Preparation Service

Is it fast? (Yes.) Is it safe? (Yes.) Is it inexpensive? (Yes.) How do I get started? (It’s easy!)

Why e-file? (back to top)

  • e-Filing your return with eSmart is quick, easy, accurate, convenient, and cost-effective, more so than traditional paper filing.
  • You will receive e-mail confirmation when you have completed your e-file and it is accepted by the IRS.
  • If you use Direct Deposit to receive your refund, many often get their money back within one week from the date the return is accepted. Please visit the IRS e-file schedule for more details.

What do I need to prepare my return and e-file? (back to top)

  • A computer, Internet access and a browser that supports 128-bit SSL encryption.
  • All of your tax statements, W-2, 1099-MISC, 1099-INT, etc. plus all deductible information, mortgage interest payments, charitable contributions, expense receipts, etc.
  • A printer so you can print your return. If you do not have a printer, you can save a digital copy of your return on your computer and print it later.

Will my computer and Internet work with eSmart? (back to top)

Any computer that can connect to the Internet with a browser supporting 128-bit SSL encryption should work. eSmart works best with Microsoft’s Internet Explorer browser.

Will eSmart work with my Internet browser? (back to top)

As mentioned, Internet Explorer is the preferred eSmart browser. To confirm it will work, at the top toolbar under “Help,” there is an “About Internet Explorer” description showing the version number and 128-bit cipher strength.

Internet Explorer 7 and 8 are the preferred browers for eSmart Tax.   If you are unsure of which version of IE you are running, click Help in the top toolbar then About Internet Explorer. 

If you are running an older version of Internet Explorer, click here to upgrade to Internet Explorer 8. 

Is my information secure and private? (back to top)

  • IRS regulations require that e-file service providers use tax return information for the express purpose of preparing and completing e-filed returns.
  • eSmart does not disclose nor share your information with any third parties or outside organizations.
  • eSmart implements 128-bit encryption and firewall protection to secure all tax information and communications. We enforce strict company policies that protect your information at all times.

Can I prepare and e-file multiple tax returns from my account? (back to top)

Yes, you can prepare and e-file returns for yourself, spouse, children, parents, or friends if they trust you with their information.

I am a tax preparer. Can I use eSmart? (back to top)

No, unfortunately eSmart is not intended for commercial use. As a division of Liberty Tax Service, eSmart may have programs available to help you serve your clients and grow your tax practice. Call 1-800-790-3863 for more information.

What happens once I complete and submit my return for e-file? (back to top)

  • Once you have submitted your return, you can check the e-file status in your account to confirm that we have received your submission. You will also receive a submission confirmation e-mail from us.
  • Once we have received verification that your payment has been approved, we will process and send your return(s) to the IRS/State. This typically happens within 24 hours.
  • If your payment is declined we will not transmit your return(s) to the IRS/State. We will notify you via e-mail so you can return to your eSmart Tax account and resubmit your payment.
  • If you submit a free return, we will process and send your return(s) to the IRS/State within 24 hours of your submission.
  • When we receive the result of your e-file from the IRS/State, we will send an e-mail to you. Be certain to check your e-mail for this notification. If your e-file has been rejected, there may be corrections you need to make and then resubmit.
  • When we receive the result of your e-file from the IRS/State, we will send an e-mail to you within 2-3 days. Be certain to check your e-mail for this notification. If your e-file has been rejected, there may be corrections you need to make and then resubmit. We will send an updated notification status from the IRS/State on your corrections within 2-3 days.

Where are all of my prior year tax returns? (back to top)

To access prior year tax returns:

  1. Click here.http://www.esmarttax.com/previous_years.asp
  2. For tax returns older than 3 years or returns not prepared using this software, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 to request a tax return transcript or complete IRS Form 4506T.http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506t.pdf

How do I amend a return? (back to top)

  1. On the My Account screen you’ll indicate which return you want to amend by selecting “clone” (available with the Deluxe, Premium or Signature packages only). This will create a copy of the original return that will be used as the starting point for your corrected (amended) tax return. If an original return is not available, the original return must be created first and then an amended return can be created by selecting “clone.”
    NOTE: If you are using the Basic package and do not have access to the clone feature, you must create a new, corrected return. To do this, click “Start a New Return” on your My Account screen and enter all of your tax return information, including all necessary corrections. Do not submit this new, corrected return. Proceed to step 3 below.
  2. Make the changes to your federal tax return by selecting “Edit” on the cloned (corrected) tax return and proceed to make necessary corrections to the tax return. Do not submit this new, corrected return.
  3. Return to the My Account screen and select “Start 10404X Amended Return.”
  4. On the first screen of the 1040X, select your (incorrect) Original Federal Tax Return in the first drop-down box. Then select your (corrected) New Federal Tax Return in the second drop-down box.
  5. Click “next” and follow instructions to complete your amended return.