Drake Tax includes two e-file workflow options that allow eligible returns to be selected for e-file directly from the Calculation Results window or transmitted from View/Print mode:

• Allow EF Selection from the Calculation results window

• Allow EF from View/Print (ADMIN Only)

Both options are available at Setup > Options > EF and are intended to streamline the e-file selection process.

Accessing the Options

To enable either option:

1. From the Home window, go to Setup > Options.

2. Select the EF tab.

3. Select one or both of the following options:

   • Allow EF Selection from the Calculation results window

   • Allow EF from View/Print (ADMIN Only)

Allow EF Selection from the Calculation Results Window

This option allows a preparer to send an eligible return directly to the e-file queue from the Calculation Results window. When this option is enabled, the EF Select button is available at the bottom of the Calculation Results window for returns that are eligible for e-file.

Clicking EF Select sends all ready-to-file federal and state returns directly to the e-file queue.

Returns eligible for transmission display a green check mark in the EF Status column.

The following settings must be enabled:

1. A pause option for calculation selected at Setup > Options > Calculation & View/Print.

2. One of the following options selected at Setup > Options > EF:

   • Allow EF Selection from the Calculation results window

   • Allow EF from View/Print (ADMIN Only)

Allow EF from View/Print (ADMIN Only)

This option allows administrators to transmit a return directly from View/Print mode using the eFile Taxpayer button on the View/Print toolbar.

How to Transmit a Return

1. Open and calculate the return.

2. Open View/Print mode.

3. Verify that all EF Messages have been cleared.

4. Click eFile Taxpayer on the View/Print toolbar.

Drake Tax immediately transmits the return and returns one of the following acknowledgment statuses:

• P (Pending)

• B (Bad Transmission)

Requirements

• Allow EF from View/Print (ADMIN Only) must be selected at Setup > Options > EF.

• All EF Messages must be cleared before transmission.

EF Status Indicators

Indicator	Description
Green check mark	Return is eligible for e-file
Red X	Return contains EF Messages or other issues preventing e-file transmission

Clearing EF Messages

Before using either feature:

1. Calculate the return.

2. Review all EF Messages.

3. Correct any identified issues.

4. Recalculate the return until all EF Messages have been cleared.

Troubleshooting

EF Select Button Does Not Appear

Verify that:

• A pause option for calculation is selected at Setup > Options > Calculation & View/Print.

• One of the EF options is enabled at Setup > Options > EF.

• The return is eligible for e-file and displays a green check mark in the EF Status column.

eFile Taxpayer Button Does Not Appear

Verify that Allow EF from View/Print (ADMIN Only) is enabled at Setup > Options > EF.

Return Is Missing from the E-File Queue

If changes were made after the return was selected for e-file:

1. Recalculate the return.

2. Go to EF > Select Returns for EF.

3. Select the return again.

4. Continue the transmission process.

Related Articles

• Drake Tax - Setup Options Overview

• Drake Tax - e-Filing a Return

• Drake Tax - EF Return Selector - Messages and Troubleshooting

• Drake Tax - Clearing EF Messages

• Drake Tax - EF Return Selector - Return Indicators

• Drake Tax - Combining EF Steps