MeF Status Page - Historical Information - Processing Year 2012, 2011 and 2010
Historical information posted on this page is posted with the most recently added information on top regardless of the date the item was created, added or revised. They are not in any particular chronological order on this page.
Extended Downtime (Posted 5:30 pm EST 12/19/2012)
The Modernized e-File Production system will be unavailable from approximately 6:00 am, Eastern Saturday, December 22nd until 12:00 pm, Eastern Sunday, December 23rd, 2012 while the IRS conducts scheduled testing and maintenance to their systems.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this extended timeframe. Thank you in advance for refraining from accessing the MeF Production System during this period.
Extended Downtime (Posted 4:00 pm EST 11/29/2012)
The Modernized e-File system Production and Assurance Testing System (ATS) system will be unavailable from approximately 2:00 pm Eastern Saturday Dec 1st until 7:00 am, Eastern Sunday, Dec 2, 2012 while the IRS conducts disaster readiness and extended build activities.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this extended timeframe. Thank you in advance for refraining from accessing the MeF Production and/or Assurance Testing Systems during this period.
Please note that there is additional Production downtime tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Dec 8, 2012 from 6:00 am until 4:00 pm Eastern.
Extended Downtime (Posted 4:00 pm EST 11/29/2012)
The Modernized e-File system Production and Assurance Testing System (ATS) system will be unavailable from approximately 2:00 pm Eastern Saturday Dec 1st until 7:00 am, Eastern Sunday, Dec 2, 2012 while the IRS conducts disaster readiness and extended build activities.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this extended timeframe. Thank you in advance for refraining from accessing the MeF Production and/or Assurance Testing Systems during this period.
Please note that there is additional Production downtime tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Dec 8, 2012 from 6:00 am until 4:00 pm Eastern.
1040 MeF Production Shutdown/Cut Over Schedule (posted 3:00 pm EST 11/23/12)
Shutdown began on Friday, November 23, 2012 and ends on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Modernized e-File (MeF) Service Request Guidance for Software Developers/Transmitters and States (Version 1.0 dated 8/2012)
e-file requirements for the 2013 Filing Season
This web page provides the latest information on the 1040 MeF/ Legacy Platform for Filing Season 2013.
Encoding Protocol Change on Modernized e-File System
In an effort to continue to improve performance on the Modernized e-File (MeF) platform, the DIME encoding protocol was retired in the ATS environment on October 31, 2012, and will be retired in the Production environment effective January, 2013.
MIME and MTOM will be the only approved encoding protocols for the Application-to-Application (A2A) Service Requests.
Questions regarding this change should be sent to the mefmailbox.
MEF 1040 Processing Year News
Three (3) Tax Year 2012 ATS scenarios were made available on August 2, 2012. Other scenarios will be available once finalized.
The initial Tax Year 2012 Business Rules and Schemas will be available by August 20, 2012. There will be multiple issuances throughout the fall.
While the IRS.gov content freeze is in effect, software developers should send an email request for the scenarios to the mefmailbox.
New MeF Mailbox for Modernized e-File (updated 9:30 am, Eastern on 7/21/2011)
We are pleased to announce that Modernized e-File (MeF) now has a new mailbox for sending inquiries regarding MeF Production and Assurance Testing System (ATS) issues, the new address is MeFMailbox@irs.gov. Please use this mailbox to address issues with IRS regarding MeF system problems and questions regarding the development of the forms related to the 1040 MeF program.
Please continue to use the established procedures of contacting the e-help Desk for other issues and forms not related to the 1040 MeF program.
When you send an e-mail to this mailbox, please include the following: your name, phone number where we can reach you, your company name, and a description of the problem. You will also need to indicate if this is a MeF Production issue or ATS issue, and whether the inquiry is about Individual or Business returns. For business returns, please limit your inquiries to production related issues only.
In order to assist us in resolving your issue more efficiently, please include the nature of your issue in the subject line. Examples: Production, Development, Assurance Testing (ATS), Getting started with MeF, or A2A Toolkit.
ATS Cutover
The Modernized e-File (MeF) Assurance Testing System (ATS) will be taken off-line starting 6:00 pm Eastern, Friday, October 26, 2012 lasting until 10:00 am Eastern, Monday, November 5, 2012. The scheduled cut-over includes loading the TY2012 schemas and business rules into ATS.
Please note: all existing test submissions for TY2011, TY2010, and TY2009 will be purged. Therefore, any test scenarios not already approved will require resubmitting if they are not accepted, reviewed, and approved by the e-Help Desk by 6:00 pm Eastern, October 26, 2012.
All testing with states should also be completed by 6:00 pm Eastern, October 26, 2012.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your cooperation.
(Updated 9:30am, Eastern on 11/05/2012)
Modernized e-File (MeF) is extending the Assurance Testing System (ATS) downtime starting at 1:00am, Eastern until 9:00pm, Eastern, Sunday, October 21, 2012. This extended downtime is necessary to prepare our systems for ATS testing beginning November 5, 2012. This downtime is for ATS only, all Production processing will resume at 9:00am as originally scheduled.
Scheduled Modernized e-File (MeF) Production and Assurance Testing System (ATS) Extended Labor Day Downtime
The MeF system will be down from 3:00 pm, Eastern on Friday, August 31st until 12:00 pm, Eastern on Tuesday, September 4th (Labor Day weekend). The extended outage is due to installation of a new power grid as well as routine operation and maintenance programs.
The Modernized e-File systems (both Production and ATS) will not be operational during this timeframe. Please refrain from accessing the MeF Production or Assurance Testing Systems to transmit business/individual/State tax returns, retrieve acknowledgements or submit any other service requests.Important Note: States who schedule retrieval of their state submissions may have to change their schedule in order to retrieve submissions in time to validate returns and submit acknowledgements by 2:30 pm, Eastern on August 31st. Anything not retrieved thru MeF by 2:45 pm on August 31st, cannot be accessed again until MeF reopens on September 4th, 2012.
Deadlines on Friday, August 31, 2012 Eastern Time
Transmitters:
Transmitting Submissions (State & Federal) 1:00 pm
Retrieving Acknowledgements and Form 2290, Schedule 1 2:45 pm
States:
Transmitting Acknowledgements 2:30 pm
We apologize in advance for any inconvenience caused.
Please Note: The next tentatively scheduled power outage will take place during the Columbus Day weekend.Please continue to monitor the MeF Status page for udpates.
Scheduled Modernized e-File (MeF) Production and Assurance Testing System (ATS) Downtime
The Modernized e-File system will be unavailable for processing from approximately 6:00 am until 10:00 pm, Eastern on Saturday, June 16, 2012 while the IRS performs disaster recovery site testing. We apologize for the extended window which is caused by some processes that are taking longer than expected. Although the Registered User Portal (RUP) will be operational during a portion of this time, any returns or extensions transmitted to MeF will not be processed.
Please refrain from accessing the MeF Production or Assurance Testing Systems to transmit business/individual tax returns, retrieve acknowledgements or submit any other service requests.We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.
The routine system maintenance window is still scheduled for Sunday, June 17, 2012 from 1:00 am to 7:00 am, Eastern.
Disaster Site Recovery Testing Scheduled for June 09, 2012 (updated at 4:30 pm, Eastern on 06/09/2012 )
Disaster site recovery testing for Saturday, June 09, 2012 has been completed. You can resume transmitting submissions, transmitting other service requests, and getting acknowledgements.
The routine system maintenance window is scheduled for Sunday, June 10, 2012 from 1:00 am to 7:00 am, Eastern.
Tentative Date for Additional Disaster Site Recovery Testing Activities:
MeF will be conducting further disaster site recovery testing on the following tentative date: Saturday, June 16, 2012 from approximately 6:00 am, until 6:00 pm, Eastern.
The date is subject to change, however we will issue a QuickAlert providing an update if warranted.
Disaster Recovery Site Testing Scheduled for June 09, 2012
The Modernized e-File system will be unavailable for processing from approximately 6:00 am until 6:00 pm, Eastern on Saturday, June 09, 2012 while the IRS performs disaster recovery site testing. Although the Registered User Portal (RUP) will be operational during a portion of this time, any returns or extensions transmitted to MeF will be not be processed.
ATS/Production Calls (updated 2:30 pm, Eastern on 5/08/2012)
We want to thank you for your participation on the ATS and Production Conference Calls. These calls will resume again sometime in September, additional information will be posted as we approach the extended due date peak processing time.
Please refer to The Modernized e-File (MeF) Assurance Testing System (ATS) Update page on IRS.gov for additional information on ATS testing and the ATS and Production Issues Log.
Information on 1040 Modernized e-File (MeF) for Software Developers also has information regarding ATS testing.
Disaster Recovery Site Testing Scheduled for May 19, 2012 (posted 3:30 pm, Eastern on 5/14/2012)
The Modernized e-File system will be unavailable for processing from approximately 8:00 am until 6:00 pm, Eastern on Saturday, May 19, 2012 while the IRS performs disaster recovery site testing. Although the Registered User Portal (RUP) will be operational during a portion of this time, any returns or extensions transmitted to MeF will be not be processed.
Please refrain from accessing the MeF Production or Assurance Testing Systems to transmit business/individual tax returns, retrieve acknowledgements or submit any other service requests.Please monitor the MeF Status Page for any updates. We will issue a QuickAlert if there is a delay in bringing the system back up in a timely manner on Saturday.
We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.
The routine system maintenance window is scheduled for Sunday, May 20, 2012 from 1:00 am to 7:00 am, Eastern.
Tentative Dates for Additional Disaster Recovery Site Testing Activities:
MeF will be conducting further disaster recovery site testing on the following tentative dates: Saturday, June 9, 2012 from approximately 6:00 am, until 6:00 pm, Eastern and Saturday, June 16, 2012 from approximately 6:00 am, until 6:00 pm, Eastern.
The dates are subject to change, however we will issue a QuickAlert providing an update if warranted.
e-file requirements for the 2012 Filing Season (FAQs revised at 1:00 pm, Eastern on 1/11/12)
The IRS expects transmitters and states to use the Modernized e-File system as the primary e-filing platform for processing year 2012. Guidance is provided below and a list of Frequently Asked Questions, (FAQ) will be updated as needed (note: FAQs were revised 1/11/12). Questions about the notification can be submitted to the MeF Mailbox. The mailbox will temporarily be used to address questions pertaining only to this Notification. It will not be maintained after the core questions are addressed in the FAQs. Please do not send Notification-related questions to the MeF mailbox. Any Notification-related emails inadvertently sent to the MeF mailbox will not be responded to. The IRS may not be able to reply to each inquiry - we will consolidate and summarize questions and answers and post them to the FAQs. For company and/or state specific questions, the IRS will contact the company/state directly to respond.
1040 e-File Notification to Software Developers/Transmitters and States for Filing Season 2012
Previous Notifications
The IRS reminds Software Developers/Transmitters and States of the following notifications previously communicated at the Software Developer’s Conference, during Industry Calls, and other industry meetings and public forums:
Additional Notifications and Requirements
In order to ensure the migration to 1040 MeF proceeds as planned, the IRS is putting in place parameters that will limit the volumes in the legacy system for Filing Season 2012. The IRS believes that this is a reasonable and measured step to take at this time to better ensure MeF’s ultimate success. The IRS is notifying Software Developers/Transmitters and States of the following requirements for transmitting 1040 e-Filed returns during Filing Season 2012:
Limited Exceptions Apply:
- State Return Retrieval – States are encouraged to complete their MeF development and work directly with Software Developers/Transmitters to enable State support in software packages. Due to the above requirements, States must use MeF to retrieve linked Fed/State returns.
- Limited Legacy e-File Availability – In preparation of 1040 Legacy e-File shutdown in October 2012 and to ensure the majority of e-Filed returns are processed through MeF, 1040 Legacy e-File will be limited to the following hours of operation 10 to 11AM local time, 5 to 6PM local time, and 1 to 2AM local time. This schedule applies to all Transmitters and States regardless of your readiness to support MeF. In the event MeF is unavailable, the window of 1040 Legacy e-File availability will be extended at the IRS’ discretion.
IRS encourages your use of Legacy e-file system until further notice
We asked for your help to fully test and run high volumes of tax returns through Modernized e-File (MeF) in 2012. Thank you for your cooperation. We have successfully taken in more volume through MeF this year than all year in 2011. MeF is working properly, but we have discovered some issues with linkages to downstream processing systems that have primarily affected returns filed between February 6 and 10, 2012. Those issues, we believe, have been resolved.
However, as a temporary measure to ensure future processing runs smoothly, and to provide adequate time to complete processing of the affected returns, we have temporarily lifted all restrictions on the Legacy system. We encourage you to use Legacy until further notice.
Be assured all systems used for processing returns are operational and are accepting returns. CADE2 and MeF are operating correctly.
Again, we encourage you to use the Legacy e-file system until further notice.
We will continue to provide updates through Quick Alerts and other partner channels.
We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Important URL Change: (Updated 12:00 pm. Eastern on 02/06/2011)
All MTOM users, whether it's for ATS or Production transmissions, should go back to using the la. URL below, the minor issue with large sized returns has been resolved and the normal URL can now be used.
la.www4.irs.gov/a2a/mef/
We thank you for your patience and apologize for the inconvenience caused by this.
Recovery of Hung State Submissions has been Completed (Posted 9:30 am, Eastern on 2/8/2012)
MeF has completed the recovery of the hung State Submissions and they are now ready for the States to retrieve. Thank you for your patience while the IRS worked to recover these submissions.
ETIN Retrieval errors reported earlier have been resolved. Please continue to monitor this page for updates.
ETIN Retrieval Errors Reported in MeF (Posted at 4:30 pm, Eastern on 02/16/2012)
ETIN Retrieval errors have been reported for the MeF Production and ATS systems. We currently have a team working this issue with high priority. Please monitor this page for updates.
ETIN Retrieval Errors Reported in MeF (Posted at 7:00 pm, Eastern on 02/02/2012)
Intermittent ETIN Retrieval errors have been reported for the MeF Production and ATS systems. We currently have a team working this issue with high priority. Please monitor this page for updates.
URL Change: Please use the la URL below unless you are a Software Developer, Transmitter or State who uses Message Transmission Optimization Mechanism (MTOM).
la.www4.irs.gov/a2a/mef/
MTOM users: whether it's for ATS or Production ransmissions, please use the la.alt URL below until further notice. During internal testing, we identified a minor issue with large sized returns that we are in the process of resolving, and la.alt is not experiencing that issue.
la.alt.www4.irs.gov/a2a/mef/
MeF Maintenance to Portals (posted 9:30 pm, Eastern on January 26, 2012
The Modernized e-File System completed maintenance to its portals and returned to normal load balancing starting at 8:30 pm, Eastern on January 26th.
Please clear all DNS cache and restart all your connections to open a new session. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.
ETIN Retrieval Errors Reported in MeF (Updated at 1:30 pm, Eastern on 01/24/2012
The ETIN Retrieval error has been resolved.
Modernized e-File (MeF) system maintenance was successfully completed at 7:00 am, Eastern on Sunday, January 22, 2012. MeF is operational for the transmission of Individual (IMF), Business (BMF) and Federal/State submissions, along with the various other service requests. The Assurance Testing System is also operational.
Update: Significant progress was made to address the delay in retrieving Acknowledgments for submissions transmitted on Saturday (1/21/12). We estimate that the backlog will be resolved by 4:30 pm Eastern this afternoon. All submissions transmitted today (1/22/12) should process as usual.
Production System: Operational (updated at 1:00 pm, Eastern on 1/18/12)
The Modernized e-File (MeF) System was successfully brought back online this afternoon at 12:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time (January 18, 2012) and is now operational for Individual (IMF) and Business (BMF) submissions. The ATS testing system is also operational.
Form 1040 Modernized e-File (1040 MeF) Production Shutdown/Cut Over Schedule (revised at 3:30 pm, Eastern 12/05/ 2011)
1040 MeF Production Shutdown/Cut Over Schedule:
Shutdown began on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 and will end on Tuesday, January 17, 2012.
Production Start Up on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 Eastern Time
Transmitters & States 9 amImportant Note: States who did not retrieve thru MeF by 11:59 am on November 22nd, cannot retrieve again until MeF reopens for 1040 MeF Production on January 17, 2012.
Modernized e-File (MeF) Business Production Shutdown/Cut Over Schedule - (Revised 5:00 pm, Eastern on 12/27/2011)
Business MeF Production Shutdown/Cut Over Schedule:
Shutdown began on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 11:59 am, and will end on Monday, January 09, 2012 at 9:00 am, Eastern.Important Note: States who did not retrieve thru MeF by 11:59 am on December 27th, cannot retrieve again until MeF reopens for Production on January 9, 2012.
MeF Assurance Testing System (ATS) Schedule:
ATS will remain open throughout this production shutdown/cut over period (12/27/2011 - 01/09/2012).Production Start Up on Monday, January 09, 2012 Eastern Time
Transmitters & States 9 am
Attention: All Modernized e-File Software Developers, Transmitters and States
The Modernized e-File ATS system became operational as of 8:00 am Eastern, Monday, October 31st. You can test TY 2011, 2010 and 2009 busines-related returns, and TY 2011 and 2010 and 2009 individual returns.
Please note: TY 2010 and 2009 IMF returns are limited to the F1040 and 21 attachments
Modernized e-File Assurance Testing System (ATS) Operational (Posted 3:30 pm, Eastern on 01/02/2012)
The "failed to commit transaction" error that transmitters to the Modernized e-File (MeF) system have been experiencing has been resolved. You can resume transmitting submissions, transmitting other service requests, and getting acknowledgements.
Note: The “Invalid Certificate Path" error that transmitters received on 12/29/11 has primarily been resolved. You may continue to experience intermittent Invalid Certificate Path errors while we are undertaking the annual Cutover activities. The IRS continues to work towards eliminating this error, however ATS testing will continue in the interim. Intermittent errors may still occur but they should be relatively infrequent (less than 10%). (Updated 4:00 pm, Eastern on 01/02/2012)
ATS Downtime
Due to end-of-year maintenance, ATS is not available from Noon Eastern, on December 27, 2011 until 8:00 am, Eastern on December 29, 2011. (Posted on 12/27/11)
Scheduled Modernized e-File (MeF) Production and Assurance Testing System (ATS) Downtime.
(updated at 9:00 am, Eastern on 12/01/11)The Modernized e-File system will be unavailable from approximately 8:00 am, Eastern on Saturday, December 3, 2011 until 7:00 am, Eastern on Sunday, December 4, 2011 while the IRS performs maintenance work in preparation of the upcoming filing season.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this extended downtime. Thank you in advance for refraining from accessing the MeF Production or Assurance Testing Systems during this period.
Network Issues (updated 10:30 pm Eastern on 11/20/2011)
The Modernized e-File System (MeF) was experiencing problems from approximately 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm, Eastern. It was due to a SiteMinder server issue that has been successfully resolved. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Form 1040 Modernized e-File (1040 MeF) Production Shutdown/Cut Over Schedule (Posted 4:30 pm, Eastern 11/03/ 2011)
To ensure that all Form 1040 tax returns e-filed through the Modernized e-File (MeF) system are processed timely, the following 1040 MeF Production shutdown/cut over and acknowledgment retrieval schedule has been established. It is imperative that everyone adhere to the schedule shown below.
1040 MeF Production Shutdown/Cut Over Schedule:
Shutdown begins on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 and ends on Tuesday, January 17, 2012.
Important Note: States who schedule retrieval of their state submissions may have to change their schedule in order to retrieve submissions in time to validate returns and submit acknowledgements by 11:30 am, Eastern on November 22nd. Anything not retrieved thru MeF by 11:59 am on November 22nd, cannot be accessed again until MeF reopens for 1040 MeF Production on January 17, 2012.Important Note: BMF returns are not impacted by this IMF Production Shutdown/Cut over schedule
Business MeF Production Shutdown/Cut Over Schedule:
Shutdown is tentatively scheduled to begin on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 11:59 am, and end on Monday, January 09, 2012 at 9:00 am, Eastern.
A QuickAlert outlining the exact timeframes to Send Submissions or retrieve federal/state Acknowledgements will be issued in early December and the times will be posted on the MeF Status Page.
Modernized e-File (MeF) Downtime for System Upgrade (Posted 3:00 pm, Eastern 11/16/2011)
The Modernized e-File (MeF) System will be taken off-line starting 9:00 pm Eastern, Friday, November 25, 2011 lasting until 6:00 am Eastern, Monday, November 28, 2011 while the IRS performs system upgrades.
The Modernized e-File systems (both Production and ATS) will not be operational during this timeframe. Please refrain from accessing the MeF Production or Assurance Testing Systems to transmit business/individual tax returns, retrieve acknowledgements or submit any other service requests.
Scheduled Maintenance to the MeF Portals (posted 5:00 pm, Eastern 11/02/2011)
The Modernized e-File System has scheduled maintenance to its portals (known as the "F5 redirect") to take place over the next few days starting on Thursday, November 3, 2011 through Saturday, November 5, 2011. During this timeframe you may encounter an error message "Secure FTP error occur in RunReceiver". If you encounter this error message, please clear all DNS cache and restart all your connections.
Impact of Daylight Savings Time Change on Modernized e-File (MeF) (Posted 4:30 pm, Eastern 11/03/2011)
The IRS would like to alert you to an issue that could occur during the Daylight Savings time change scheduled this weekend. In past years, a few transmitters experienced problems with files created during the hour when the clocks moved. We recommend that you do not create transmission files during the hour of 1:59 am, Eastern to 2:59 am, Eastern on Sunday, November 6, 2011. Please adjust the time based on your time zone.
If you experience any problems with transmission files created early Sunday morning, please let us know through the MeF mailbox.
Important Payment Information: (posted 6:30 pm, Eastern 09/30/2011)
Taxpayers affected by Hurricane Irene were given an extension for certain tax filing and payment deadlines. The third quarter estimated tax (Form 1040ES) payment which would normally be due September 15, 2011 was extended till October 31, 2011. However, the third quarter payment will not be accepted via the MeF program after September 22, 2011. Taxpayers needing to submit the third quarter payment after September 22, 2011 must use another payment option such as the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), credit/debit card, or check or money order. For information about electronic payments visit the Electronic Payment Options Home Page.
For up-to-date information on Disaster Relief please visit the article on IRS.gov titled
Modernized e-File (MeF) Quarterly Call (updated 1:30 pm, Eastern 10/31/2011)
Attention: All Modernized e-File Software Developers, Transmitters and States
The IRS has scheduled a quarterly call to discuss any issues that may arise with the upcoming MeF filing season. The call is scheduled for Thursday November 3rd between 3:00 and 4:00 PM Eastern
Call-In Information:
Number: 1-866-606-4717 access code 9412199
Time: 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Eastern
MeF Scheduled Maintenance to Portals (posted 9:30 pm, Eastern on October 28, 2011
The Modernized e-File System has scheduled maintenance to its portals (known as the "F5 redirect") on Saturday, October 29, 2011 from 1:00 am, Eastern to 8:00 pm, Eastern. During this timeframe you may encounter an error message "Secure FTP error occur in RunReceiver". If you encounter this error message, please clear all DNS cache and restart all your connections.
IRS Gives Truckers Three-Month Extension; Highway Use Tax Return due November 30, 2011 (posted 3:30 pm, Eastern 07/19/2011)
The Internal Revenue Service recently advised truckers and other owners of heavy highway vehicles that their next federal highway use tax return, usually due August 31, will instead be due on November 30, 2011.
As a result of this decision, the Tax Year 2011 Schema has been temporarily removed from the MeF Form 2290 Schema page.
Please review the article posted to the Newsroom on the for more details.
ATS and Production Conference Call (updated 2:30 pm, Eastern on April 20, 2011)
We want to thank you for your participation on the ATS and Production Conference Calls. These calls will resume again sometime in September, additional information will be posted as we approach the extended due date peak processing time.
Issues and the resolution captured from the January through April calls:
Important Message: (updated at 3:30 pm EST on 9/9/11)
MeF experienced intermittent errors in Production and ATS that was related to a temporary power outage at one of the IRS computing centers. The problem has been resolved and we apologize for any inconvenience casued.
Intermittent Errors Being Reported for MeF Production (updated 3:00 pm, Eastern on 09/06/ 2011)
The intermittent errors reported earlier today for MeF Production and ATS have been resolved and you should be able to login and transmit service requests. Thanks for your patience today while we resolved the problem with the MeF system.
If you encounter production problems in the future please report issues to the MeFMailbox@IRS.gov.
Intermittent Errors Being Reported for MeF Production (updated 1:30 pm, Eastern on 09/06/2011)
Intermittent errors are being reported by several transmitters when logging into MeF Production and MeF ATS, the errors being reported are “Authorization Failure” and “Authentication Error”. The IRS is diligently looking into this issue and we will post an update as soon as we determine what is causing these errors and when this will be resolved.
The MeF system will be down from 12:00 pm, Eastern on Saturday, September 3rd until 5:00 am, Eastern on Tuesday, September 6th (Labor Day weekend). A routine system maintenance build and the annual power outage used by the IRS to perform critical operation and maintenance programs, to enhance building infrastructure and to upgrade various computer systems is scheduled to occur during this time.
The Modernized e-File systems (both Production and ATS) will not be operational during this timeframe. Please refrain from accessing the MeF Production or Assurance Testing Systems to transmit business/individual tax returns, retrieve acknowledgements or submit any other service requests.Please Note: The next tentatively scheduled power outage takes place during Columbus Day weekend from 9:00 pm, Eastern on Saturday, October 8th until 5:00 am, Eastern on Tuesday, October 11th.
We apologize in advance for any inconvenience caused.
Update: MeF has resolved the problems causing the intermittent "Connection Reset" problem (Revised on August 1, 2011 at 11:30 am, Eastern). You can resume transmitting production and test submissions, transmitting other service requests, and getting acknowledgements.
Sunday Maintenance Build for June 19, 2011 (updated 2:00 pm, Eastern on June 19, 2011)
The IRS has successfully resolved the issues that extended the Sunday Maintenance Build Window that were impacting the Modernized e-File Production system today. We also completed the disaster recovery site testing that took place on Saturday, June 18, 2011.
You can resume transmitting production submissions, transmitting other service requests, and getting acknowledgements.
We thank you for your patience and apologize for the inconvenience caused by the delays.
Scheduled Modernized e-File (MeF) Production and Assurance Testing System (ATS) Downtime (updated 1:00 pm, Eastern on June 18, 2011)
The Modernized e-File System will be unavailable for processing from approximately 6:00 am Saturday June 18th to 7:00 am, Eastern Sunday June 19th, 2011 while the IRS performs disaster recovery site testing. We apologize for the extended window which is caused by some processes that are taking longer than expected. Although the Registered User Portal (RUP) will be operational during a portion of this time, any returns or extensions transmitted to MeF will not be processed.
Please refrain from accessing the MeF Production or Assurance Testing Systems to transmit business/individual tax returns, retrieve acknowledgements or submit any other service requests.
Please monitor this page for any changes for the scheduled testing.
MeF Scheduled Maintenance to Portals (posted 3:00 pm, Eastern on June 13, 2011)
The Modernized e-File System has scheduled maintenance to its portals (known as the "F5 redirect") on Tuesday, June 14, 2011 from 6:00 am, Eastern to 6:00 pm, Eastern. During this timeframe you may encounter an error message "Secure FTP error occur in RunReceiver". If you encounter this error message, please clear all DNS cache and restart all your connections.
If this procedure does not resolve this error message then please use server la1.www4.irs.gov.
Further information is provided below on the Connection Reset Error.
Connection Reset Errors being reported (posted 1:30 pm, Eastern on June 14, 2011)
Some of our customers are experiencing login and “connection reset” errors because we are doing work in the Sterling portal. While rollover to the other portal has been implemented, it does not always prevent these errors when this kind of work is being performed. Some reasons why customers may still be getting login and Connection Reset errors even though rollover has been implemented include:
1. Using the IP address that contains ‘132’ instead of the A2A URLs.
2. Your DNS cache may still contain the Sterling IP address (‘132’ - the last IP actually hit).
To eliminate the errors, we recommend you do one of the following.
A. If you are using the la2.www4.irs.gov or la2.alt.www4.irs.gov URLs you are bypassing rollover and hitting Sterling directly. Please change your URLs to la.www4.irs.gov.
B. Clear your DNS cache. There may be more than one so be careful. If the error persists, customers have had success shutting down their system and restarting.
C. If the above does not work try using the la1.www4.irs.gov URL.
D. If using the Sterling IP address (contains ‘132’) directly, please switch to the Chicago IP address (contains ‘58’).
Scheduled Modernized e-File (MeF) Production and Assurance Testing System (ATS) Downtime (posted 3:30 pm, Eastern on May 17, 2011)
The Modernized e-File system will be unavailable for processing from approximately 6:00 am until 6:00 pm, Eastern on Saturday, May 21, 2011 while the IRS performs disaster recovery site testing. Although the Registered User Portal (RUP) will be operational during a portion of this time, any returns or extensions transmitted to MeF will be not be processed.
Please refrain from accessing the MeF Production or Assurance Testing Systems to transmit business/individual tax returns, retrieve acknowledgements or submit any other service requests.
Form 990 Schema updates
The Form 990, TY2010 schema packages for Version 3.0, 3.1 and 3.2 have been updated to include the Schedule H file. The Publication 4205 has also been updated to include Form 990 Test Scenario #1, which includes the Schedule H. The updates can be viewed on the main schema page for your convenience.
Form 4868 Return Header schema change (2010v4.0) (posted 9:32 am, Eastern on 3/11/2011)
The Form 4868 Schema has changed to make the "PINTypeCode" element "optional" rather than required effective March 10, 2011.
Attention: Modernized eFile (MeF) Software Developers, Return Transmitters, and States who use the Internet Filing Application (IFA) to transmit returns to IRS through MeF. (posted 6:00 pm, Eastern, on 12/20/2010)
We have had several contacts from externals regarding problems loading the "la" certificates in the Internet Explorer Brower. If you are having problems please follow the procedures outlined below to assist you in loading the certificates.
1. Download the L1C chain certificate from https://www.entrust.net/downloads/binary/entrust_l1c.cer
2. Go to Internet Options, either from the Control Panel or from the Tools menu of Internet Explorer
3. From the Content tab of Internet Options, select the Certificates button
4. Select the Intermediate Certification Authorities tab
5. Use the Import button and select the file saved in step 1
6. Click through (3 Nexts and a Finish)
New Form 1040 Business Rules not on the Version 2010v4.0 listing (posted 2/13/2011 at 14:30 EST)
There were three new Business Rules for Form 1040 added to MeF on Sunday, February 13, 2011 that are not listed on the Business Rule listing currently on IRS.gov. They are:
R0000 - 512: Form 1040, Line 6c(2), each 'DependentSSN must not match the Primary SSN or Spouse SSN on another return and was not claimed as an exemption on that return.
F1040 - 188: (First Time Homebuyer's Credit): IRS records indicate that a First Time Homebuyer's credit was taken. Therefore, this return must not be filed through Modernized e-file (MeF).
R0000 - 510: Spouse SSN in the Return Header cannot be the same as a Primary SSN on another tax return.
BMF Extender Legislation (updated at 3:30 pm, Eastern on 2/25/2011)The revised schemas for the impacted business tax returns will be available for software testing in the ATS environment beginning approximately at 8:00 am, Eastern on 2/27/2011.
The revised schemas for the impacted business tax returns will be available for production processing beginning approximately at 8:00 am, Eastern on 3/6/2011.
An addendum to Form 1120, Form 1120F, and Form 1120S Business Rules for schema version 2010v2.3 is posted on the IRS.gov schema page. This addendum reflects revised business rules impacted by the BMF Extender Legislation
MeF Scheduled Maintenance to Portals (posted 2:30 pm, Eastern on 3/17/2011)The Modernized e-File system has scheduled maintenance to its portals (known as the "F5 redirect") on Saturday, March 19, 2011 from 6:00 am, Eastern to 8:30 pm, Eastern. During this timeframe you may encounter an error message "Secure FTP error occur in RunReceiver". If you encounter this error message, please clear all DNS cache and restart all your connections. If this procedure does not resolve this error message then please use server la2.www4.irs.gov.
Self Select PIN Error Trend for Online Filers (posted 5:00pm, Eastern on 1/14/2011)
During the TY 2009 filing season, online filers who could not recall their Prior Year AGI or Prior Year PIN, were allowed to use a one-time use only Electronic Filing PIN. Since the TY09 schemas did not have an Electronic Filing PIN element, the information had to be entered into Prior Year PIN element.
The Electronic Filing PIN element was added to the TY 2010 schemas, so the online filer can enter the PY AGI, the PY PIN if they remember it, or their new EF PIN. Only one of these 3 elements must match for the return to pass the Self-Select PIN validation.
What we noticed during the initial IMF testing is that the online filers are erroneously entering their TY 2010EF PIN in the PY PIN field. They will get the F1040-0679-01 error message. Once the return is retransmitted with the EF PIN moved to the appropriate element name, the return passes validation. Please caution your clients to enter the EF PIN in the correct field.
We also want to note that the Signature PIN used on the TY 2009 tax return can be used as the PY PIN on the TY 2010 return - there's no need to secure a new EF PIN if they know the Signature PIN used in the past.
Immediate Distribution of New Modernized e-File (MeF) Certificates (posted 3:30 pm, Eastern, on 12/19/2010)
For a number of reasons, new “la” certificates were installed in the portal on Friday, December 17, 2010. After installation, you will not be able to navigate the SSL handshake for the la.www4 URL unless you load the new certificates which were e-mailed to transmitters, software developers, and states on Friday.
Manifest and Acknowledgement Changes in the Modernized e-File (MeF) Production and Assurance Test System (posted 12:00pm, Eastern, on 12/2/10)
Every software developer, state and transmitter participating in MeF is impacted by this statement.
There have been some questions raised about the use of the new federal manifest, state manifest, and acknowledgement schemas that go into effect in ATS on 12/6/2010 and production on 1/03/2011. This Quick Alert is intended to answer those questions. We do not support multiple versions of the manifest and acknowledgement schemas; therefore, beginning Monday, 12/6/2010, everyone will be required to use the new federal and state manifests and acknowledgement schemas for all return types, all tax years in ATS and on 1/3/2011 in production.
1. SCOPE OF IMPACT: All business, individual, state return types, all prior-year submissions and all acknowledgements for federal and state submissions for all years.
2. PRIOR YEAR PACKAGES: We do not re-release prior-year schema packages, so you will have to locate the new manifest and acknowledgement schemas in the 12/6/2010 ATS release packages and use them for prior year submissions and acknowledgements. DO NOT use the manifest and acknowledgement schemas located in prior year release packages beginning on 12/6/2010 in ATS and 1/3/2011 in production as errors will occur.
3. OTHER IMPACTS: Everyone needs to think about how this will impact their software (especially prior-year software).
4. CHANGES: Changes include new elements, new choices, and a reordering of elements. For example SubmissionType has been removed from the common elements section in efileattachments.xsd and the Federal and State SubmissionType elements are added to Federal and State manifest specific elements. This has the effect of moving the Tax Year as well.
5. SOFTWARE DEVEL0PERS: (and transmitters) need to understand that both manifests (federal and state) and acknowledgements have been changed and must be used.
6. STATES: Need to understand that they must use the new state manifest schema when validating and the new acknowledgement schema when building acknowledgements that are sent to MeF.
This is not the first time we have changed the manifest and acknowledgement schemas, so most of you should have gone through this exercise at some point in the past. However, we hope this Quick Alert clears up any misunderstandings.
Assurance Testing System (ATS) (updated at 10:30 pm, Eastern on 1/18/11)
The Modernized e-File ATS system became operational as of 8:00 am Eastern, Monday, November 1st. You can test TY 2010, 2009 and 2008 busines-related returns, and TY 2010 and 2009 individual returns
Business Tax Returns (aka BMF) (added at 10:19 am, Eastern on 1/18/11)
Until changes caused by Extender legislation are implemented, the IRS will reject any BMF e-filed tax returns that have the following forms or schedules attached: Form 1120-PC (Tax Year 2010), Form 6478 (Tax Year 2010) and Form 8849, Schedule 3 (Tax Year 2011). The IRS is working as quickly as possible to implement the necessary programming changes so these forms/returns can be processed.
Please note: the due date for any tax return/extension originally due on January 15th has been extended to Tuesday, January 18th due to the 15th falling on a Saturday and the Monday Martin Luther King holiday.
Individual Tax Returns (aka IMF - 1040 MeF) (added at 10:17 am, Eastern on 1/18/11)
There is no change to the startup time for IMF production. It is scheduled to open at 9:00 am, Eastern on Tuesday, January 18, 2011.
Once IMF startup begins, and until changes caused by Extender legislation are implemented, the IRS will reject any IMF e-filed tax return that has a Schedule A attached (prior Tax Year 2009 and current TY 2010). The IRS is working as quickly as possible to implement the necessary programming changes so these forms/returns can be processed.
Schema Version 2010v1.0 for Forms 1065/1065B in ATS (added at 10:13 am, Eastern on 1/18/11)
We have discovered a problem with the Form 1065/1065B schema version 2010v1.0 in the Acceptance Testing System (ATS). Those who attempt to use this version are receiving a return version error. The problem is limited to 1065 users of version 1.0 in ATS. No other return type is impacted.
At this time Software Developers can update to version 1.1 and continue testing or wait until December 6, 2010 when the new major version 2.0 will be available for testing.
Service Error 405: (added at 10:10 am, Eastern on 1/18/11)
IFA Filers are intermittently receiving a Microsoft Explorer Service Error 405.
To get past this generic error message please go into browser Tools » Internet Options » Advanced and uncheck “Show friendly HTTP error messages”, select Save, then retransmit the package.
ETIN Retrieval errors (added at 3:30 pm, Eastern on 11/18/10)
The problem with the ETIN Retrieval error impacting the Modernized e-File Production and Assurance Testing System (ATS) has been resolved. In the future, if anyone receives this error, please send an email to the 1040mef mailbox noting the exact time that the error occurred.
May 11th Filing Extension for Recent Storm and Flooding Victims (added 4/9/10)
Residents impacted by the severe storms and flooding in New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and West Virginia may qualify for tax relief from the Internal Revenue Service. Taxpayers located in one of the designated disaster areas will automatically have late filing and payment penalty relief applied to their return. Affected taxpayers will have to file a paper extension (Form 4868) if filing after April 15, 2010.
1040 MeF Program
4868 Business Rules: F4868-522 and F4868-523 (added 4/14/10)
Due to a date validation problem, these two rules have been permanently disabled in the production environment.
1040 Business Rule: SM-F1040-011 - See 1040 MeF Business Rules Known Issue page (added 4/9/10)
1040 Business Rule: R0000-515 - See 1040 MeF Business Rules Known Issue page (revised 3/31/10)
1040 MeF (revised 4/19/10)
Tax Year 2009 Forms 1040, 4868 and 21 1040-related forms
- Opened for Production at 9:00 am Eastern on Wednesday, February 17, 2010.
- Correction: Now that the April 15th peak period has passed, the 1040 MeF production calls have concluded.
Performance Recommendations During Peak (revised 4/9/10)
Retrieving Acknowledgements (revised 3/22/10)
You can continue to use a count of 100 in the "GetNewAcknowledgements" service request.
WSDL Version (posted 2/6/10)
A new WSDL version was distributed February 4, 2010 that affects the Get Submissions service type responses for state’s transacting 1040 MeF business only. Transmitters and states not conducting 1040 MeF business can, at their election, choose not to build services from these WSDLs. The change is to the SSN Validation Status element. We have added one enumerated value, “No Access,” which means that an entity check was not performed prior to forwarding the submission to the state. This should not occur often, but when it does, it is because the system housing the entity data was not available. As of December 30, 2009, the 5.5 WSDLs are no longer supported.
Assurance Testing System (ATS) (revised 2/19/10)
Please refer to the Modernized e-File (MeF) Assurance Testing System (ATS) updates web page (aka "Testing Information") to review a list of known issues/concerns and their resolution. Please note that issues impacting the States are also tracked there.
URL Information (revised 1/10/10)
Please use the ‘la’ URLs to access ATS and Production returns. 'la.alt' remains operational, however the IRS uses that url to debug problems. 'la.alt' must be isolated to effectively use it for that purpose.
