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Wisconsin Department of Revenue

Help and Error Messages

  1. What does the question mark symbol mean within Wisconsin e-file and how does it work?
  2. What does the X mark symbol mean within Wisconsin e-file and how does it work?
  3. What does the exclamation point symbol mean within Wisconsin e-file and how does it work?
  4. What should I do when I try to submit my return and I get a message that says: "Error-Your return submission was not successful."?
  5. Why do I get a Security Warning when I open my return for the first time?
  6. Why do I get a Security Warning when I try to submit my return?
  1. What does the question mark symbol mean within Wisconsin e-file and how does it work?

    This is a Help button and Help Link. This symbol indicates there is Help available for the field. Hold the mouse pointer over the symbol to view the help message. Further information may be available if you click on this symbol.

  2. What does the X mark symbol mean within Wisconsin e-file and how does it work?

    This is an Error message. This symbol indicates there is something wrong with the field. Hold the mouse pointer over the symbol to view the help message to fix the error. All error messages must be fixed before you will be able to file your tax return.

  3. What does the exclamation point symbol mean within Wisconsin e-file and how does it work?

    This is a Caution message. This symbol indicates there is a caution about what has been entered into the field. Hold the mouse pointer over the symbol to view the message.

  4. What should I do when I try to submit my return and I get a message that says: "Error-Your return submission was not successful."?

    If you get this message, you should make sure you are connected to the Internet. You must be connected to the Internet to submit your individual income tax return electronically through Wisconsin e-file.

    If you are connected to the Internet, you should save your return in a portable document format (PDF) to your PC or other storage device (disk, CD, etc.). Simply select "File" and "Save As" before you close out of Wisconsin e-file. You should try submitting your return at a later time.

    If you are having problems submitting your return, it could be that Wisconsin e-file is temporarily not available. However, if the problem persists, you should e-mail the Wisconsin Department of Revenue Customer Service at efiling@revenue.wi.gov (include your name and day time phone number) or contact us at 608-264-6886 during normal business hours 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

  5. Why do I get a Security Warning when I open my return for the first time?

    As a default function of Adobe Acrobat Reader, you will be warned any time that a PDF attempts to connect to the Internet. When you open the return you are intending to file for the first time, the PDF checks to make sure you have the most current version available. A warning message like the one below may appear on your screen to indicate that this check is occurring. Click (circled in red in the image below) to begin filling in your return.

  6. Why do I get a Security Warning when I try to submit my return?

    As a default function of Adobe Acrobat Reader, you will be warned any time that a PDF attempts to connect to the Internet. When you click the button on your Wisconsin e-file form, warning messages like the ones in the images below may appear on your screen. Click (circled in red in the images below) on each of these warnings to submit your return.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
Electronic Filing Unit
Mail Stop 5-77
P.O. Box 8949
Madison, WI 53708-8949
Phone: (608) 264-6886
Fax: (608) 264-7776
E-Mail Additional Questions

Last updated March 12, 2009