E-File
How E-File works
You must be a registered tax agent to use E-File.
E-File works like this:
- you transmit data
- you receive a confirmation message
- auto-linking occurs on our mainframe (except for PTS requests and confirmations).
You transmit data
You need to have internet connectivity to use E-File. You can get the connectivity through any internet service provider (ISP). Once you have connected to E-File you can then send any number of returns or correspondence at one time via the E-File service. The method in which you connect and send your data to us will vary depending upon which software package you use. Below is an example of how the transmission may work.
- Choose E-File within your package, then choose connect you will then be connected to the E-File FEP (front end processor)
- Select your returns to file and choose the send option within your package.
Your PC then communicates to IRD via our front-end processor, which receives and stores your transmission.
The front-end processor is available for transmissions 24 hours a day from Monday to Saturday (inclusive) and from midday on Sunday, unless you are advised otherwise.
You receive a confirmation message
After you have transmitted the data, you receive a confirmation message that states whether the transmission was successful. This is similar to a fax transmission confirmation message, and is available within 2 hours (sometimes as soon as 1 minute) after your transmission. You must log on to the front-end processor to read this message.
Auto-linking on the mainframe
Once the front-end processor has received your documents successfully, it delivers them to the mainframe. The mainframe system produces a file with:
- your client's IRD number
- your IRD number and location number.
The client registration system checks the agent to whom the client is linked. If the client is already linked to an agent with a different IRD number, the system changes the link (except for PTS requests and confirmations).
E-File and taxpacks
After you E-File a client's return, we then do not send you a taxpack for that client the following year.
Date published: 25 Sep 2009
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