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Benefits of Modernized e-File (MeF)

Some benefits of filing through MeF are:

Year Round Filing – Returns filed through MeF can be submitted year round.
Prior Year Returns – MeF will allow filing of prior year 1040 returns. As a new tax form type is added to the MeF platform, tax returns will be accepted for the current tax year only. As subsequent tax years are added to the system, MeF will accept the current tax year and two prior tax years.

For example:

In February 2010, 1040 MeF accepted tax year 2009.

In January 2011, 1040 MeF accepted tax years 2010 and 2009.

In January 2012, 1040 MeF accepted tax years 2011, 2010, and 2009.

Note: MeF does not accept prior year extensions (Form 4868)

Binary Attachments – The MeF program allows forms not already developed in XML to be attached to the electronic submission to accommodate late legislation and other unscheduled form changes.

Note: MeF currently only supports PDF format. Click this link to download the most recent version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.
More Explicit Error Conditions - Error explanations (Business Rules) pinpoint the location of the error in the return and provide complete information in the acknowledgement file that is passed back to the transmitter. Under the current 1040 e-file program, one error code may apply to multiple types of e-file error conditions. MeF error codes use simple wording to clarify each error that triggers a rejection.

You can find Additional Information on Modernized e-File on the MeF Overview Page, which includes information and links on:

design history
processing of returns
communication between IRS and transmitters during the e-file process
approval of tax preparation software
security during transmission
MeF Volumes

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Page Last Reviewed or Updated: 2012-12-21