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August 16, 2023
Question

Attaching pdf to electronic filing

  • August 16, 2023
  • 5 replies
  • 0 views

It is not clear how to do this.  I've been advised that I should do this to explain an aspect of the return.  Some posts suggest that it cannot be done??  Seems like a definite defect in the program if so.  Do other electronic filing programs allow it?

    5 replies

    August 16, 2023

    You cannot attach a pdf to an e-filed return.   What are you trying to attach?  In general, if the IRS wants additional information from you after you e-file your return, they will send you a request by letter with instructions as to how to submit the requested information.

    **Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
    fanfare
    August 17, 2023

    With a few exceptions, if your tax return requires an attachment and/or explanation statement. you can't e-File.

    You have to file a paper return via US Mail or FEDEX.

    There are a few places in TurboTax where an explanation statement can be typed in by you and included with your e-File.

     

    The only PDF supported by TurboTax is the Schedule D transacton details, and only in certain situations.

    In that case, a separate paper mailing after e-File is already provided for by the IRS instructions.

     

    @rha9 

    fanfare
    August 17, 2023

    Attach an explanation only if the IRS instructions explicitly call for it,

    not because somebody else suggested it would be a good idea.

     

    @rha9 

    rjs
    August 16, 2023

    TurboTax provides for entering an explanation where it is required by IRS rules. The IRS does not want explanations that are not required by the rules. The IRS instructions for Form 1040 say "Don't attach correspondence or other items unless required to do so." If the IRS has a question about your tax return or wants more information, they will send you a letter asking for it.

     

    August 16, 2023

    @rha9 wrote:

    Some posts suggest that it cannot be done??  Seems like a definite defect in the program if so. 


    If you're referring to the dropdown in the screenshot below, it doesn't appear to be functional.

     

    Untitled.png

     

     

    February 20, 2025

    Capitalize Carrying Charges IRC Section 266 

    TaxAct does. And from what I can tell, you would need to do so to make a Section 266 election.

     

    Really disappointed / frustrated that turbotax has missed this for years for me. Been paying taxes on vacant land that I can't deduct due to the SALT cap.

    Unable to efile and submit this. The software never suggested I make the election. Finally stumbled upon the fact that I should be doing it when I tried to figure out if those taxes should have increased my basis.

    April 5, 2025

    I also have just discovered this issue !  VERY annoying to have lost the value of capitalizing R E Tax over a number of years for not realizing the necessity of annual filing the 266 election ( had assumed that capitalization would be allowed as adjustment to basis or deductible cost upon eventual sale). very costly error attributable to Turbo tax not asking about an investment in vacant/unproductive land. 

    April 15, 2025

    How to Attach an "ACA Explanation" (Not sure how to attach anything else.)

     

    If you're not required to file an 8962 Form, but the IRS rejected your return because you didn't include it (in my case it's because I am claiming a child that was on my ex-wife's ACA policy, but I wasn't covered or named), here's how to attach it...

     

    1) In TurboTax, search for 1095-A.

    2) Select and confirm that you didn't receive one.

    3) Go to the "Forms" view and look for the document that was added called "ACA Explanation."

    4) Overwrite default text with your own. Overwriting it is tricky--only accepts limited number of characters. Write one line at a time--once you overwrite the text of the first line, it will let you overwrite the second line. After the second line, you can continue adding lines of text, one at a time.

    5) Save the file and go back to the form to assure your text is there.