Modernized e-File (MeF) Status Page
Current System Status
Production System: Not Operational Due to Annual Cutover
(IMF shutdown date: 11/23/12, BMF shutdown date: 12/26/12)
Assurance Testing System (ATS): Operational
Scheduled Maintenance Build
A routine system maintenance build is scheduled every Sunday from 1:00 am to 7:00 am, Eastern.
MeF Alerts:
Business MeF Production Shutdown/Cut Over Schedule: (Posted 3:00 pm EST 12/13/2012)
Shutdown is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 11:59 am, and end on Monday, January 07, 2013 at 9:00 am, Eastern.
Critical Update Concerning Form 1040 Schema Versions: (Posted 10:00 am EST 12/28/2012)
As communicated on December 21, 2012, the IRS will deploy the Form 1040-series schema package 2012v4.1 into the Modernized e-File (MeF) Assurance Testing System (ATS) environment on December 30, 2012, and into Production at Startup on January 22, 2013.
Important update: The 2012v4.1 package contains significant changes that should have been released as a major (required) schema update affecting all software vendors. However, to minimize external impact, we previously stated that MeF would support both the 2012v4.0 and the 2012v4.1 packages.
After additional analysis and testing, the IRS has decided to support only the 2012v4.1 schema package. This action will prevent a number of schema validation errors and potential processing delays that may be encountered when using the 2012v4.0 package.
Effective Sunday, December 30, 2012, the 2012v4.1 schema package should be used for ATS. Schema package 2012v4.0 will not be deployed into Production and will reject as a mismatch.
Although we strongly encourage software companies with approved software to retest using the 2012v4.1 schemas, you will not be required to do so.
We apologize for this inconvenience.
Thank you for your continued support.
WSDL Changes Implemented
New WSDLs were installed in the MeF test environment (ATS) on November 5, 2012.These new WSDLs will also be required for MeF production when it reopens on January 7, 2013.
Please note that starting November 5th you will be using the la.alt https://la.alt.www4.irs.gov/a2a/mef URL for ATS and la (https://la.www4.irs.gov/a2a/mef) URL for production environments.
If you would like to receive the current WSDLs please send an email to the mail box at mefmailbox@irs.gov. The email request must include your company name, and ETIN/EFIN. The required WSDLs will be sent to you as soon as it is verified that you are a valid software developer, transmitter or State user.
ATS/Production Calls (updated 5:30 p.m., Eastern on 1/3/2013)
The ATS and Production Conference Calls will resume on Monday Jan 7, 2013. Please note the new number below.
Call-In Information:
Number: 1-866-606-4717 access code 3600320
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern
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, PATS and Production Call Log.
Information on 1040 Modernized e-File (MeF) for Software Developers also has information regarding ATS testing.
2013 Filing Season - URL Information (revised 2:30 pm, Eastern on 11/23/2012)
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.
Federal/State Tax Returns:
In order for standalone/unlinked returns to be accepted, the state must be participating in the State Standalone program and the Transmitter/Software Developer must NOT include an IRS Submission ID in the State Manifest. State Standalone returns may be either submitted in the same transmission (Send Submissions) as the federal return or in a different transmission.
State Testing
States wishing to transmit their own test returns need to send an email to IRS requesting this access. We will work with you to set up a software developer account in e-Services. When that is done you will then have to create system ids for these new software developer accounts in Automated Enrollment. You will not be able to use your state accounts or system ids to transmit. However, you can use your same Strong Authentication certificates for both accounts.
Historical Information for Processing Year 2012, 2011 and 2010
STILL CAN’T GET IN?
Reminder: If you have not received your Acknowledgements within 24 hours, please call the e-Help desk at (866) 255-0654.
Volume of Accepted Returns by Form Type
The current and historical volumes of accepted MeF returns for each processing year can be found on the MeF Volumes of Accepted Returns webpage.
Current Schema Releases
Corporations and Extensions - Forms 1120/1120-F/1120S/7004 schemas
Exempt Organizations - Forms 1120-POL/990/990-EZ/990-N/990-PF/8868 schemas
Partnerships - Forms 1065/1065-B schemas
ETEC - Forms 2290/720/8849 schemas
Individuals - Forms 1040/4868 schemas
