FAQs: Navigating Our Straight-Forward Application

Finding your way around eSmart’s unique form-based service is super-easy.

How does the form-based application work? (back to top) * eSmart is different from the typical, interview-style online tax preparation software. The forms and lines in our application correspond exactly to the official IRS forms and lines. You work with only the forms you need, making it a quick and easy process.

  • You start as if you are filling out a paper, Form 1040. If you need any other form at any line, you can click the “Edit” icon to access the form. For example, if you traded stocks and need to include Schedule D at line 13, you can click the “Edit” icon to prepare Schedule D. After it is completed, the result is automatically linked back to line 13 for you to continue. eSmart’s tax return preparation process is extremely clear and intuitive. You know exactly what you are doing at every step of the form.
  • All computations, tax tables and rules are integrated into eSmart’s forms, making preparation simple. We even include instructions to explain your entries in our Help Center.

How do I navigate eSmart? (back to top)

  • eSmart has 6 major sections that appear at the top of each page to indicate where you are in the online tax preparation process.
  • The left-hand side path and the check marks indicate where you are within the current, active section.
  • Once you have completed your tax return, you can jump to any place in your return. If you jump backward and change anything, you will need to page through the return again by clicking “Next” on every page. This ensures that all computations and rules are checked and calculated.

I need to attach a form to the return. How do I find a particular form? (back to top)
When you are working on a federal return, look for the “Form Finder” in the Help Center on the right of your screen. Click on the pull-down menu and select the form you need. A new pop-up window will appear and provide you with the purpose and the location of the form.

I received several W-2/1099s. How do I add multiple W-2s or other tax statements? (back to top)

  • Once you have started your return and completed Steps 1 and 2, move on to “Step 3: W-2, 1099, etc.”
  • Check the boxes for each form you have and then click “Next.”
  • Use the “Add New” button to add records like W-2s and 1099-MISC. Once you have finished adding information for a particular form, you can add another one by clicking the same “Add New” button.

Can I start my return now and complete it later? (back to top)
Once you have started an eSmart tax return, our system will save your information automatically. If you are interrupted for any reason, you can simply log back into your account, find your saved return, and continue.

How do I continue from where I left off last time? (back to top)
All of the information and tax returns you prepared are saved in your account on your “My Account” page. Click “Edit” to retrieve the tax return, then click the sections listed at the top or click those listed on the path at the left-hand side to continue.

How do I delete the tax returns in my account? (back to top)

  • If a tax return has been e-filed and accepted by the IRS, you can't delete it because we are required to keep it on record.
  • If a return has not been e-filed, you can delete it from your account by clicking the “Delete” button on your My Account page. Once deleted, you will not be able to retrieve the information anymore.

How do I sign and submit my return for e-file? (back to top)
You will sign your return using a Self-Select PIN (an electronic signature). Enter any 5-digit number of your choice (except all zeros), your date of birth, today’s date and the exact amount of your Adjusted Gross Income from your previous year's tax return. The IRS will reject your return if the amount you enter is incorrect. If you are unsure of your exact AGI from last year you can:

  • Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
  • Choose to print and mail your return to the IRS instead of e-filing. If you want to e-file you MUST find last year’s AGI.

I have already completed my return. How do I submit it for e-file? (back to top)

  • Move on to “Step 6: File” after you have completed your return. Be sure to review the summary information carefully and then click “Submit.”
  • Upon completion, you will be able to print the return for your records.

How do I know I have successfully e-filed my return? (back to top)

  • Once you have gone through the checkout process and submitted your return, you should check your account to make sure the status of your return says “Processing.” At this point, you can load and view the return, but you can't change it. It’s as if you just dropped your return into the mailbox.\
  • You should receive an e-mail confirmation from eSmart about your e-file submission and another e-mail within 3 days with the result.
  • You can check the e-file status 24/7 online in your account. If you do not receive any e-mails or see a change in status after 6 days, you should contact customer support.

I have just submitted my return but found a mistake. What should I do? (back to top)

  • Submitting your e-file is basically the same as dropping your return in the mailbox. You can't take it back or change anything while it is processing.
  • If the IRS or state rejects your return for any reason, you will be able to revise and resubmit your return. If it is accepted by the IRS or state, then you will need to file an amended return to make changes.

Should I mail in my W-2s, 1099s or returns after I e-file? (back to top)

  • Once you have e-filed through our website, you do not have to mail any of your tax forms or schedules. Your return and attached forms will be electronically sent to the IRS.
  • Do not mail out any tax forms or schedules unless you are requested by the IRS or state to do so.
  • Please continuously check online to view the status of your returns. You will also receive an automatic e-mail once your return is accepted or rejected by the IRS.