Timetable for e-file testing?

One of the questions we get asked is if we are certified to e-file returns?

No, not yet.  In fact, no one is and they won't be until December, 2015.  Here is the e-file testing timetable as explained to us in a recent webinar that the IRS conducted.

Employers and other organizations can voluntarily file ACA information returns for 2014.  The due date for these returns is October 15, 2015.  Why are the 2014 return due ten months after the end of the filing year and the 2015 returns due three months (March 31, 2016) after the end o the filing year. I can only conclude that it's because the IRS is so far behind in getting the process for filing, especially e-filing, these information returns.

Before you can e-file "voluntary" 2014 returns, you must go through a testing and certification process.  This consists of submitting various test data based on scenario's provided by the IRS.  If the e-filed data passes validation, then you get certified.

The testing dates for 2014 returns is supposed to begin July 29, 2015.  I say "supposed to begin" because before you can participate in the testing process, you need to get a TCC (Transmitter Control Code).  We applied for ours the day after the application became available and over two weeks later, we still don't have it.  When I placed a call to the IRS to inquire about the status of our application, they stated that it could take up to 45 days to get the TCC.  Strange that they wouldn't make the application available 45 days prior to the beginning of testing, but if I had a nickel for every strange thing that the IRS did... well... let's just say I wouldn't be writing this blog post.

Testing for the 2015 year is not schedule to start until November, 2015.  Based on the time it's been taking the IRS to get this process rolling, allowing just five months until returns are due may not be enough.