Attachments
- What is an attachment?
- Do I need an attachment?
- How do I make a file suitable for attachment?
- How do I attach my file once I have it ready?
- What is an Attachment?
Attachments are files that accompany your Wisconsin e-file submission to provide required documents, forms, and additional information that the Department of Revenue needs to process your income tax return.
- Do I need an Attachment?
When you file a Form 1, the Department of Revenue requires you to attach a complete copy of your federal income tax return. You will receive this message when you attempt to submit a Wisconsin Form 1 without this attachment:
- How do I make a file suitable for attachment?
You will need to have an electronic copy of your complete federal income tax return.
If you used software to file your federal income tax return, you were probably given the option to save it in an electronic format. You will need to have this file saved to a location on your computer or to a removable storage device that is connected to your computer in order to attach it. The following formats are acceptable for attachment in the Wisconsin e-File application: PDF, TIF, JPG, and BMP.
If you do not have an electronic version of your federal income tax return, you can find fill-in federal forms and schedules at www.irs.gov . Using these fill-in forms, you can save a complete copy of your federal return as a PDF on your computer or to a removable storage device and use those PDF documents to attach it to your Wisconsin e-file submission.
If you do not have an electronic version of your federal income tax return, you can create one by scanning your federal return into your computer using a scanner and software of your choice, then saving the return in one of the acceptable formats: PDF, TIF, JPG, or BMP.
- How do I attach my file once I have it ready?
There are several methods of attaching a file to your Wisconsin Form 1, but the two most common methods are posted below.
METHOD ONE:
In Adobe Reader, click on “Document” in the Menu bar. Then click “Attach a File” (these are highlighted in red on the image below).
After clicking “Attach a File”, navigate to a copy of your federal return in the Add Files window that appears. You may now attach this file by double clicking on the file itself or you may click the open button in the lower right (both options are highlighted in red in the image below). NOTE: Your federal return may have some other name, either chosen by you, or by the software used to create the file. The actual file name that you use does not matter.
A successfully attached file will appear in the bottom of the PDF window as the image shows below. You may now submit your return. This process can be repeated if your federal information is contained in more than one file.
METHOD TWO:
In Adobe Reader or in your browser, click on the “Paperclip” icon, then click “Add” (These are both highlighted in red in the image below).
After clicking “Add”, navigate to a copy of your federal return in the Add Files window that appears. You may now attach this file by double clicking on the file itself or you may click the open button in the lower right (both options are highlighted in red in the image below). NOTE: Your federal return may have some other name, either chosen by you or by the software used to create the file. The actual file name that you use does not matter.
A successfully attached file will appear in the bottom of the PDF window as the image shows below. You may now submit your return. This process can be repeated if your federal information is contained in more than one file.
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 January 14, 2009