California e-File
Posted at: January 28, 2022
[UPDATE] - as of 2/2/22 this is resovled.
We have identified a minor issue with the State of California eFiles returns.
We expect a fix by end of day on Tuesday, February 1, 2022.
Please hold on efiling CA State returns until a resolution is announced.
If already created, CA State eFiles will need to be recreated and resubmitted.
Thank you, GannonTax
Efile Start Date January 24th, 2022
Posted at: January 21, 2022
Efile starts on Monday the 24th. This also includes prior year returns.
Common tax return mistakes that can cost taxpayers
Tax laws are complicated but the most common tax return errors are surprisingly simple. Many mistakes can be avoided by filing electronically. Tax software does the math, flags common errors and prompts taxpayers for missing information. It can also help taxpayers claim valuable credits and deductions.
Using a reputable tax preparer – including certified public accountants, enrolled agents or other knowledgeable tax professionals – can also help avoid errors.
- Filing too early. While taxpayers should not file late, they also should not file prematurely. People who don’t wait to file before they receive all the proper tax reporting documents risk making a mistake that may lead to a processing delay.
- Missing or inaccurate Social Security numbers. Each SSN on a tax return should appear exactly as printed on the Social Security card.
- Misspelled names. Likewise, a name listed on a tax return should match the name on that person's Social Security card.
- Entering information inaccurately. Wages, dividends, bank interest, and other income received and that was reported on an information return should be entered carefully. This includes any information needed to calculated credits and deductions. Using tax software should help prevent math errors, but individuals should always review their tax return for accuracy.
- Incorrect filing status. Some taxpayers choose the wrong filing status. The Interactive Tax Assistant on IRS.gov can help taxpayers choose the correct status, especially if more than one filing status applies. Tax software also helps prevent mistakes with filing status.
- Math mistakes. Math errors are some of the most common mistakes. They range from simple addition and subtraction to more complex calculations. Taxpayers should always double-check their math. Better yet, tax prep software does it automatically.
- Figuring credits or deductions. Taxpayers can make mistakes figuring things like their earned income tax credit, child and dependent care credit, child tax credit, and recovery rebate credit. The Interactive Tax Assistant can help determine if a taxpayer is eligible for tax credits or deductions. Tax software will calculate these credits and deductions and include any required forms and schedules. Taxpayers should Double-check where items appear on the final return before clicking the submit button.
- Incorrect bank account numbers. Taxpayers who are due a refund should choose direct deposit. This is the fastest way for a taxpayer to get their money. However, taxpayers need to make sure they use the correct routing and account numbers on their tax returns.
- Unsigned forms. An unsigned tax return isn't valid. In most cases, both spouses must sign a joint return. Exceptions may apply for members of the armed forces or other taxpayers who have a valid power of attorney. Taxpayers can avoid this error by filing their return electronically and digitally signing it before sending it to the IRS.
The IRS urges all taxpayers to file electronically and choose direct deposit to get their refund faster. IRS Free File offers online tax preparation, direct deposit of refunds and electronic filing, all for free. Some options are available in Spanish. Many taxpayers also qualify for free tax return preparation from IRS-certified volunteers.
IRS Child Tax Credit Payments - Letter 6419
Posted at: December 20, 2021
The IRS will be sending taxpayers who received Advanced Child Tax credit payment/s in 2021, the letter will be sent out January 2022, Notice 6419. This letter will show the total amount of payments received. The client can also see their payments in their CTCUp Portal.
IRS General Information on Child Tax Credit
UltimateTax recommends getting the letter from your client before preparing a return or getting a printout from the client's portal.
EFC Shutdown
Posted at: December 20, 2021
IRS has announced its MeF (e-file) shutdown and cutover for Tax Year 2021. To ensure that all business tax returns e-filed through the MeF system are processed in a timely manner, submissions must occur before IRS shuts down the system on Sunday, December 26, 2021, at 11:59 a.m. Eastern time.
Electronic Filing Center (EFC) Maintenance/Shutdown
- Partnership (1065)
- Corporation (1120)
- S Corporation (1120S)
- Fiduciary (1041)
- Employee Benefit Plans (5500)
- Exempt Organization (990 Series)
- 94X Series
This maintenance will end no later than the date that the IRS opens for tax year 2021, which is yet to be announced. During this maintenance period, you will NOT be able to:
- Transmit returns
- Receive acknowledgments (acks)
Gannon Announcement
Posted at: January 04, 2021
Happy New Year!
We would like to wish you and your family a healthy and prosperous new year. I think we are all hoping 2021 is better than last year.
We want to update you:
- Your software is ready for you. If you have not logged into your software, it should be all setup and ready for you. Here is a shortcut to the year links.
- If you are approved for Pre-Ack loans you can start processing returns now.
- The mobile solution is ready if you want to add that to your software. The cost is $150 for the mobile add on. (Our credit card processor is under UltimateTax, so your charge will show up as UltimateTax.)
We would also like you to know that Gannon Service Bureau has recently become part of the UltimateTax Group.
What does this mean?
- Gannon Service Bureau is going to stay as it is.
- You have the same software.
- Your fees are the same as last year.
- We have submitted all banking information that you provided for this season.
- DJ and Juan are no longer with the group. They have decided to pursue other career paths.
- We have updated our support options for you.
- You now have a support knowledgebase. gannonservicebureau.com
- You have chat as an option, just go to our knowledgebase and click the Help button on the bottom right.
- Continue to use customerservice@gannonservicebureau.com for contacting us.
We have assigned Austin Bartenhagen as your point of contact for your software. He has been with our group since 2013. You can reach Austin, through the above emails. Or by calling our office. Same number.
In addition to Austin being assigned to your accounts, you will also have Thomas McGourty and Jimmy Rogers who will be available for support to you. We also have additional staff to assist with your software needs. They have a lot of experience and have been supporting our tax software for years.
Our enrollment specialist, Angie Burke has entered all of your orders and bank enrollment.
We know that we must earn your business. Nothing is taken for granted. With the new support solutions and great people, we will give you our best.
We understand that this announcement comes at the start of season. We have been providing software and support since 2006. We are going to continue the same software arrangements that you are accustomed to with Gannon Service Bureau.
(We do not sell or give your information to unauthorized 3rd parties. We provide tax software solutions.)
Thank you and we look forward to a great relationship!
Mike Steele
President