FAQs: Uploading Data Process
- What does "Upload data" mean?
- What is the difference between "upload data" and "online e-file"?
- How is an e-file data file created?
- Where can I find the data file to upload?
- Can I open the e-file data file to see its contents?
- How do I upload data to e-file at eSmartPayroll?
- Can I upload saved tax forms to e-file?
What does "Upload data" mean? (back to top)
When you use eSmartForms on your computer, you have total control of the form and the data. If you choose to e-file, you can come to our website, www.eSmartPayroll.com and "upload" the e-file data file to transmit to the IRS. "Upload data" is done at secured webpages by identifying the location of the specific data file on your computer. It gives us the permission to retrieve the specific data file from your computer for e-file.
What is the difference between "upload data" and "online e-file"? (back to top)
We offer two ways for you to e-file. You can use eSmartForms on your computer, create an e-file data file, then "upload data" to e-file or you can prepare and e-file directly at our website.
How is an e-file data file created? (back to top)
For eSmartForms "e-File" option, you can click the "e-File" eSmart toolbar icon and a data file will be created and stored in the data folder pay07 under eSmart root folder in C drive. Inside this folder, you will find the data file that can be uploaded through our site for file to the IRS. The data file is typically identified by the company EIN number and is a text (.txt) file.
Where can I find the data file to upload? (back to top)
When you click the "e-file" toolbar icon in eSmartForms, the data from the form (and related forms) are extracted and put into an e-file data file. The data file is typically identified by the company EIN and stored in the "efile" folder inside the pay07 under eSmart root folder in C drive.
Can I open the e-file data file to see its contents? (back to top)
Yes, an e-file data file is a simple text file (.txt). You can open it with note pad, Wordpad or Word. It contains only the data you have entered into the tax forms and is separated typically by a comma (,) and quotes (").
How to Upload data to e-file at eSmartPayroll? (back to top)
At www.eSmartPayroll.com, you can find the instructions to identify the location of the e-file data file on your computer. Use the "Browse" button to locate the specific file you want to e-file and the complete path will be shown in the small window next to "Browse". This gives us the permission to retrieve the specific data file for e-file to the IRS.
Can I upload saved tax forms to e-file? (back to top)
No. Only data is required and processed for e-file. Completed tax forms can not be uploaded for e-file. That is why we have an "e-file" eSmart toolbar icon that creates an e-file data file. The icon extracts the information you have entered into eSmartForms and puts them together in a simple text (.txt) file.