Image Description Support Center
Our Support number is: 1-800-516-9442
<- Back to Main Page

How to fix Pending Acknowledgement Error

⚠️ How to Fix Pending Acknowledgement Error

Is your return stuck on "E-File Created" or "Sent to EFC"? When you try to re-create the e-file, does it say the return has already been e-filed? Don't worry - this guide will help you resolve this common issue and get your return submitted successfully!

📋 What This Guide Covers

  • How to verify if a return was actually sent
  • How to find and clean up the TRANSMIT folder
  • How to safely delete stuck e-file records
  • How to re-create and resend your return

🚨 Important: Verify First!

Before deleting any files, you MUST verify the return hasn't already been accepted or is awaiting acknowledgment. Deleting files for an already-accepted return can cause duplicate filing issues!

Step 1: Verify the Return Status Using Return Query

First, check if the return has actually been sent and is awaiting acknowledgment:

  1. Go to Return Query (also called EFC Return Lookup)
  2. Search for the return using the taxpayer's SSN
  3. Check if the return shows as Accepted or Pending/Awaiting Acknowledgment

💡 Tip: Not sure how to use Return Query? Search our knowledgebase for "Return Query" for detailed instructions.

✅ If the return is NOT accepted and NOT awaiting acknowledgment → Continue to Step 2
⏳ If the return IS awaiting acknowledgment → Wait for the IRS/State response
✔️ If the return IS already accepted → No action needed, the return went through!

Step 2: Locate the Software Installation Folder

Now we need to find the TRANSMIT folder where e-file records are stored:

  1. Find the Sure-Fire Tax Software icon on your desktop for the tax year you're having issues with
  2. Right-click on the icon
  3. Select Properties
Right-click Properties

📁 Alternative Method: If you don't have the desktop icon, navigate directly to your C: drive and look for a folder named UTSXX where XX is the last 2 digits of the tax year. For example:
• C:UTS24 = Tax Year 2024
• C:UTS23 = Tax Year 2023
• C:UTS22 = Tax Year 2022

Step 3: Open the File Location

In the Properties window:

  1. Click the "Open File Location" button
  2. This will open Windows Explorer to the software installation folder
Open File Location

Step 4: Navigate to the TRANSMIT Folder

Inside the software folder:

  1. Look for a folder named TRANSMIT
  2. Double-click to open it

Step 5: Find and Delete the Stuck E-File Record

Inside the TRANSMIT folder, look for files that match this pattern:

EI + SSN + State Code + EX.XML

Example: EI111223333USEX.XML

📍 Understanding the File Names:

Part Meaning Example
EI E-file Indicator (always EI) EI
111223333 SSN (no dashes) For SSN 111-22-3333
US Federal Return US = IRS
CA California State Return CA = California
NY New York State Return NY = New York

⚠️ Critical Warning: Only delete the file for the SPECIFIC return (Federal or State) that is stuck. For example:

• If only the State is stuck → Delete only the state file (e.g., EI111223333CAEX.XML)
• If only Federal is stuck → Delete only the federal file (e.g., EI111223333USEX.XML)

Why? If Federal was already accepted and you delete both files and resend, you'll get a reject on Federal for duplicate filing!

Step 6: Re-Create and Send the E-File

After deleting the stuck file:

  1. Go back to the tax software
  2. Open the return
  3. Go to E-File → Create E-File
  4. The e-file should now create successfully
  5. Send the return as normal

✅ Success!

Your return should now be able to be recreated and sent successfully. Check the Return Query again in 24-48 hours to confirm the acknowledgment was received.

📝 Quick Reference: Common State Codes

Here are some common state codes you might see in TRANSMIT file names:

US = Federal CA = California NY = New York TX = Texas FL = Florida IL = Illinois GA = Georgia NC = North Carolina

🔧 Troubleshooting

Can't find the TRANSMIT folder?

  • Make sure you're in the correct tax year folder (UTSXX)
  • The folder is case-sensitive on some systems - look for "TRANSMIT" or "Transmit"

Still getting the same error after deleting?

  • Make sure you deleted the correct file (check the SSN and state code)
  • Close and reopen the tax software after deleting
  • Try running the software as Administrator

Return Query shows it was accepted but software says otherwise?

  • The acknowledgment may not have synced properly - do NOT resend if Return Query shows Accepted
  • Contact support for assistance with syncing the acknowledgment

🆘 Still Need Help?

If you're still experiencing issues after following these steps, our support team is here to help!

📝 Submit a Support Ticket 📞 Call 1-800-516-9442



Tags: install
Popular Articles