QuickAlerts October 2011
October 3, 2011: Electronic Management System Annual Columbus Day Power Outage at Martinsburg
The Electronic Management System (EMS) located at the Enterprise Computing Center in Martinsburg, West Virginia will be unavailable from Saturday, October 8, 2011, at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time through Tuesday, October 11, 2011, at 5:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
This will affect individual, business, and state returns processed on the EMS located in Martinsburg, West Virginia.
Due to the Columbus Day holiday, drains will not occur on Monday at Martinsburg or Memphis. Normal processing will resume Tuesday morning at 5:00 a.m.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.
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October 5, 2011: Individual Filers – Last Day to e-file Form 1040, Electronic Tax Documents (ETD’s) and Payments
EOY Legacy e-file shutdown dates affecting taxpayers granted filing extensions due to Tropical Storms Irene, Lee and the Texas wildfires (refers to local submission processing center times):
- The last production drain for corrected Tax Year 2010 Form 1040 returns will be on October 31, 2011, at 11:00 a.m.
- The Electronic Management System (EMS) will not be available after 11:00 a.m. on October 31, 2011 for transmitting returns.
- The Federal Acknowledgement Files must be picked up no later than 6:00 p.m. on October 31, 2011.
- The last production drain for corrected ETD transmissions will be on October 31, 2011, at 11:59 p.m. The system shuts down at 6:00 p.m. to prepare for the 2012 Filing Season.
- States must pick up, process files, and transmit state acknowledgments to EMS by 4:00 p.m., November 2, 2011. All Acknowledgement files must be retrieved no later than 6:00 p.m. November 2, 2011.
Important Payment Information - The 20110915 (third quarter) and 20120117 (fourth quarter) Form 1040ES payments are not being extended. Third quarter payments transmitted after September 22, 2011, and fourth quarter payments transmitted after October 20, 2011, will reject with ERC 0398.
Form 1040 series current year return payments are extended till October 31, 2011 (same cut-off dates and times as noted for Form 1040 returns above).
Taxpayers that need to submit payment(s) beyond the cut-off dates above must use other payment options such as the EFTPS, credit/debit card, check, or money order. Visit electronic payments for more information.
There will be no extension to the dates and times listed above. For tax returns and payments submitted through the Modernized e-File system, refer to the Modernized e-File Status Page.
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October 5, 2011: Individual e-file - Tax Year 2011 Publication 1346
ATTN: Software Developers, Return Transmitters and Authorized IRS e-file Providers/EROs. Please be advised the Tax Year 2011 Publication 1346, Electronic Return File Specifications for Individual Income Tax Returns, is now available on IRS.gov at the following link: Tax Year 2011 Publication 1346
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October 5, 2011: The Electronic Management System located at Martinsburg, WV will be down October 6, 2011 From 1:00 AM until 12:00 PM Eastern Time.
The Electronic Management System (EMS) located at Martinsburg, West Virginia will be down for maintenance on Thursday, October 06, 2011 from 1:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. eastern time. Trading Partners will not be able to logon to the ECC-MTB EMS system during this time.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We will notify you when the system is available.
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October 5, 2011: Modernized e-File (MeF) Assurance Testing System (ATS) Downtime for Annual Cut-Over.
The Modernized e-File (MeF) Assurance Testing System (ATS) will be taken off-line starting 11:59 pm Eastern, Friday, October 21, 2011 lasting until 8:00 am Eastern, Monday, October 31, 2011. The scheduled cut-over includes loading the TY2011 schemas and business rules into ATS.
Please note: all existing test submissions for TY2010, TY2009 and TY2008 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 11:59 pm Eastern, October 21, 2011. All testing with states should also be completed by 11:59 pm Eastern, October 21, 2011. When the cut-over activities have been completed another QuickAlerts will be issued.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your cooperation.
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October 6, 2011: Maintenance on the Electronic Management System at Martinsburg, WV is now complete.
Maintenance on the Electronic Management System located at the Enterprise Computing Center in Martinsburg, West Virginia is complete. The system is now available to users.
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October 6, 2011: Maintenance for the Electronic Management System at Memphis, TN
The Electronic Management System located at Memphis, Tennessee will be down for maintenance on Friday, October 07,2011 from 1:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. Central time. Trading Partners will not be able to logon to the ECC-MEM EMS system during this time.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We will notify you when the system is available.
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October 7, 2011: EITC Paid Preparer Compliance Program Expanded, More Proactive.
EITC compliance has new tiers of outreach, education and compliance, covering a broader base of new and experienced preparers, for earlier error prevention.
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October 7, 2011: Publication 4162, revision September 2011.
ATTN: Software Developers, Return Transmitters and Authorized IRS e-file Providers/EROs. Publication 4162, Modernized e-File Test Package for Forms 1120, 1120F, 1120S, and 7004 for Tax Year 2011 has posted to IRS.gov.
You may contact the e-help desk at 1-866-255-0654 with questions and concerns.
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October 7, 2011: e-services Re-Engineering Results in Minor Changes to Functionality of Transcript Delivery System (TDS).
The Internal Revenue Service is updating the Transcript Delivery System (TDS) with an implementation date of October 17, 2011. The new TDS will have an updated look, feel, and functionality. These changes may present a learning curve for some users. However, we are certain the improvements will be well worth the minor inconvenience as we strive to offer the best possible service.
The new TDS will:
- Improve delivery time of transcripts
- Increase capacity to compensate for the growing demand of the product
- Reduce downtime associated with maintenance problems
Highlights of these changes are included in the:
- On-line Tutorial at the e-services Registration Services page Tool bar after logging in to e-services
- e-services - online Tools for Tax Professional
The system will be down October 15 & 16 during implementation. Users could experience downtime for the first few days after implementation. If you experience problems using the new TDS, you may contact the e-help Desk at 866-255-0654.
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October 7, 2011: Individual e-file - Tax Year 2011 Publication 1346 Record Layout Nature of Changes # 1.
ATTN: Software Developers, Return Transmitters and Authorized IRS e-file Providers/EROs. Please be advised the Tax Year 2011 Publication 1346 Record Layout Nature of Changes # 1 have been uploaded to IRS.gov. You may access this information using the following link: Tax Year 2011 Publication 1346
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October 7, 2011: Maintenance on the Electronic Management System at Memphis, TN is now complete.
Maintenance on the Electronic Management System located at the Enterprise Computing Center in Memphis, Tennessee is complete. The system is now available to users.
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October 11, 2011: EMS Martinsburg efileD is unavailable.
The Electronic Management System, located at Martinsburg, West Virginia, is experiencing problems on efileD. Until the problem is corrected, the system will be unavailable for internet transmissions. A Quick Alert will be issued when the system is available.
We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause you.
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October 11, 2011: Electronic Management System in Martinsburg is now available.
The Electronic Management System (EMS), located at Martinsburg, West Virginia, is now available. We apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused you.
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October 13, 2011: Delayed: e-services Re-Engineering Results in Minor Changes to Functionality of Transcript Delivery System (TDS).
The new release of Transcript Delivery System scheduled for October 17 has been delayed. Due to the delay TDS will continue to operate as usual. Further communication will be released when a new deployment date is confirmed.
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October 14, 2011: Publication 4505, revision September 2011.
Publication 4505, Modernized e-File Test Package for Forms 1065 and 1065-B for Tax Year 2011, has posted to IRS.gov.
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October 17, 2011: Individual returns - 1040 MeF (Modernized e-File)
Attn: Software Developers, Return Transmitters and Authorized IRS e-file Providers/EROs. MeF is experiencing an intermittent delay issuing acknowledgements to transmitters.
The IRS has identified the root cause and we are working to fix it as a high priority this morning. Please continue to transmit as normal. A follow-up QuickAlerts will be issued when the problem is resolved.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
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October 17, 2011: Individual returns - 1040 MeF (Modernized e-File)
Attn: Software Developers, Return Transmitters and Authorized IRS e-file Providers/EROs MeF has corrected the delay in issuing acknowledgements and processing is back to normal.
The delayed acknowledgements will be available to process within the hour. Please continue to transmit as normal.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
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October 19, 2011: Reminder: Modernized e-File (MeF) Assurance Testing System (ATS) Downtime for Annual Cut Over
The Modernized e-File (MeF) Assurance Testing System (ATS) will be taken off-line starting 11:59 pm Eastern, Friday, October 21, 2011 lasting until 8:00 am Eastern, Monday, October 31, 2011. The scheduled cut over includes loading the TY2011 schemas and business rules into ATS.
Please note: All existing test submissions for TY2010, TY2009 and TY2008 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 11:59 p.m. Eastern, October 21, 2011.
All testing with states should also be completed by 11:59 p.m. Eastern, October 21, 2011. When the cut over activities have been completed, another QuickAlerts will be issued.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your cooperation.
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October 23, 2011: All Modernized e-File Individual/Business Software Developers, Transmitters, and States
The Modernized e-File (MeF) Sunday maintenance build has been extended until 1:00 p.m., Eastern. We are working diligently to complete the work necessary to bring the Production system online.
Please refrain from accessing the MeF Production system to transmit or pick up business/individual tax returns, get acknowledgements, or submit any other service requests. The Assurance Testing System will remain non-operational until 9:00 a.m., Eastern, October 31st.
Please monitor the MeF Status Page for any updates. We will issue a QuickAlerts when the system is available.
We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation.
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October 23, 2011: All Modernized e-File (MeF) Business and Individual (BMF & IMF) Participants -Transmitters, Software Developers and States
The IRS has successfully resolved the issues that extended the Sunday Maintenance Build Window that were impacting the Modernized e-File Production System today. 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.
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October 26, 2011: Individual e-File – Publication 1436 TY 2011 Nature of Change # 1
ATTN: Software Developers, Return Transmitters and Authorized IRS e-file Providers/EROs. Please be advised that an update to Publication 1436, Test Package for Electronic Filers of Individual Income Tax Returns For Tax Year 2011, along with an explanation of the change has been posted at Publication 1436 (Rev. 9-2011).
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October 27, 2011: Modernized e-File (MeF) Assurance Testing System (ATS)
Attention: All Modernized e-File Software Developers, Transmitters and States. The Modernized e-File ATS system will become operational as of 8:00 a.m. Eastern, Monday, October 31st. You can test TY2011, 2010 and 2009 business-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 beginning October 31st and lasting through Friday (November 4th), the IRS will host a daily ATS conference call for interested software developers, transmitters and states to discuss any issues or concerns.
On Friday, we will determine what the schedule will be going forward.
Call-In Information:
Number: 1-866-606-4717 access code 6345767
Time: 4:00 pm, Eastern to 5:00 p.m., Eastern
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October 27, 2011: MeF Business e-file Updates - Form Family 1120
ATTN: Software Developers, Return Transmitters and Authorized IRS e-file Providers/EROs. The following Tax Year 2011 files have been posted on IRS.gov:
- 1120/1120F/1120S XML Schemas and Business Rules: 2011v2.0
- This version will be used for ATS starting 12-19-2011
- Forms and Attachments Listing: efileAttachments.xsd
- This Schema must be used for any supported Tax Year
- Known Issues and Solutions
- Includes the IMF Known Issues as well as the BMF Known Issues
Questions or comments may be directed to the e-help Desk at 1-866-255-0654.
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October 28, 2011: Business – MeF Heavy Highway Use Tax (Form 2290) TY 2011 Business Rules and XML Schemas
Attention: Software Developers, Return Transmitters and Authorized IRS e-file Providers/EROs. The Heavy Highway Use Tax (Form 2290) Business Rules and XML Schemas for Form 2290 for Tax Year 2011 are posted to the irs.gov website.
These changes will be available in ATS and Production on 10/31/2011. A new change page for the Form 2290 Test Scenarios is posted to the irs.gov website.
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October 28, 2011: MeF Business e-file Updates - Form 1065/1065-B
ATTN: Software Developers, Return Transmitters and Authorized IRS e-file Providers/EROs. The following Tax Year 2011 files have been posted on IRS.gov:
- 1065/1065-B Schemas and Business Rules: 2011v2.0
- 1065/1065-B Schemas and Business Rules: 2010v3.5
- 1065 Change Page: 2009v3.2
- Forms and Attachments Listing
These schemas and business rules will be available in ATS on 12/19/2011 and in Production on 1/9/2012.
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October 28, 2011: MeF Individual e-file Updates - Form Family 1040
The third set of (Tax Year 2011 Schemas and Business Rules Article 243254)for the Form 1040 Modernized e-File (MeF) program has been posted to IRS.gov, except for Forms 4868 and 2350. However, business rule changes were made and are now available for Forms 4868 and 2350.
Please note the dates the schemas and business rules will be available in the Assurance Testing System (ATS) and Production environments.
The second set of Tax Year 2011 Schemas were reposted due to an error in the original packaging. Please refer to the note on the webpage for more information.
The Tax Year 2011 Form 1040 Error Reject Codes (ERC) to Business Rules (BR) Crosswalk is available.
The ATS Test Publication 1436, ATS Known Issues, and Disabled Business Rules in ATS documents are now available. The ATS system will become operational as of 8:00 am, Eastern on Monday, October 31, 2011.
You can test Tax Years 2011, 2010 and 2009 for Business-related Returns and Individual Returns. ATS Testing for Tax Years 2010 and 2009 Individuals Returns is limited to the Form 1040, and the 21 forms and schedules.
Updates have been made to the Recommended Names for PDF files attached to 1040 MeF Submissions and to the (Foreign Country Codes Article 171946). A Foreign Country Codes Informational document is also available.
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October 28, 2011: Business – MeF Form 720 TY2011 Second and Third Quarter Filing
ATTN: Software Developers, Return Transmitters and Authorized IRS e-file Providers/Electronic Return Originators (EROs). This is an update to the previous Alert for Form 720 TY2011 second and third quarter filing.
The valid Schemas for TY2011 Q2v1.0 and Q3v1.0 are now available on irs.gov. Please use the schema versions that have an ATS and Production date of 08/21/2011.
We are aware that the version numbers are the same as past versions; however, these are available for testing and production. Schemas for TY2011Q1v2.0-2.3 are no longer current and therefore cannot be used to file your second and third quarter tax returns.
We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for using IRS e-file to file your 720 returns.
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October 31, 2011: QuickAlerts is Changing!
Effective 11/01/2011, QuickAlerts will have four subscription categories:
- Alerts
- General Notifications
- General IRS e-file Service Center Messages
- Technical
Subscribers to the new "Technical" category will receive QuickAlerts on Schema Information and Software (PATS/ATS) Testing.
The "PATS Testing" topic will be removed from the Alerts category. No other topics will move from their existing categories.
Subscribers who want to receive the Technical e-file information, mainly intended for software developers, transmitters and states, should access their QuickAlerts subscription and subscribe to the new category.
Instructions on how to update your subscription is at the bottom of this and every QuickAlerts message.
In order to allow subscribers time to subscribe for the new Technical category, Technical category Subscribers will begin receiving messages Tuesday, November 15, 2011. Until then, all QuickAlerts messages will continue to be sent through the current three categories.
To notify all current subscribers of this change, this message is being sent to all subscribers of current three categories. We apologize that you will receive this message multiple times if you currently subscribe to more than one QuickAlerts category.
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October 31, 2011: 94x XML Business e-file - Tax Year 2011 Updates (2012 Filing Season)
ATTN: Software Developers, Return Transmitters and Authorized IRS e-file Providers/EROs. The 94x XML Schema Draft (version 2.11) is now posted to IRS.gov.
The Matrix Chart has been updated and is now available on IRS.gov. Error Code 974 does not show the form type. This Error Code is applicable to all form types in the 94x Form Family. For more information, see Publication 3823.
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October 31, 2011: Modernized e-File (MeF) Quarterly Call
Attention: Software Developers, Return Transmitters and States. The IRS has scheduled a quarterly call with the MeF Software Developers, Return Transmitters and States to discuss any issues that may arise with the upcoming MeF filing season.
The call is scheduled for Thursday, November 3rd from 3:00 pm to 4:00 p.m., Eastern. Call-In Information:
- Number: 1-866-606-4717 access code 9412199
- Time: 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Eastern on November 3, 2011
