Drake Tax - Form 8948 - Preparer Explanation for Not Filing Electronically

Article #: 14247

Last Updated: August 27, 2025

 

Tags: Drake Tax

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Form 8948 is used only by specified tax return preparers to explain why a particular return is being filed on paper. If a taxpayer opts to paper file a tax return, or the return is unable to be e-filed, the preparer must include a Form 8948, Preparer Explanation for Not Filing Electronically, with the paper filed submission.

To generate this form in Drake Tax, go to the first Other Forms tab > 8948 Explanation for Not Filing Electronically and select the check box next to the reason the return is being paper filed. Once a selection is made on this screen, Form 8948 will produce in the View/Print mode and EF Message 5046 will produce to stop electronic filing per the opt-out form.

Note  EF Message 5046 may also prevent e-filing of the state return. If the state return will still be e-filed, do so before generating Form 8948 for the federal return. State returns may or may not require their own version of an e-file opt-out form. See the data entry FAQ page for a particular state for more information on that state's e-filing requirements.

For more information, see Form 8948 instructions.

Note  The data entry screen is only available in the return types that are eligible to file this form (1040 and 1041). See the Form 8948 instructions for details.