If you receive an error letting you know the file size is too big, there are a few options.
Often the most efficient way to upload tax return PDFs is to get the electronic version directly from the tax preparer. Those copies tend to be the most economical in size and best in terms of legibility, and we have had tax returns in excess of several hundred pages long go through successfully using the preparer's electronic version. Alternatively, scanned PDFs work just fine as long as they are legible and under 20MB. Here are some steps you can take to reduce your file size as well:- Delete extra pages form the return that are not read in by our OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software, like cover pages, state tax returns, statements, etc.
- If you have a paid Adobe or Foxit account, you can shrink the file size in the program to be below 20MB.
- Utilize the 'Print to PDF' or 'Save/Export as PDF' selection for an existing PDF of the return, which sometimes can create a PDF that is smaller in size than the original PDF.
On a PC or viaGoogle Chrome:On a Mac computer:
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Go to the Preview app and open the PDF you want to compress.
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Choose File > Export. (Do not choose Export as PDF.)
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Select the Quartz Filter pop-up menu, then choose Reduce File Size.
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- Some advisors will print the return out on paper and scan it back in. That may reduce the file size as well
For security purposes, we do not accept any part of a return via email, and our team will not accept files over the size limit. You must shrink the file size to upload the return. Additionally, do not upload the return in multiple files - our system considers each upload an individual return and will not merge the information.
Although obtaining the electronic version of the return in PDF form from the preparer is ideal due to the reduced size and increased legibility, the above steps may help you reduce your file size beneath the 20MB limit.
Although obtaining the electronic version of the return in PDF form from the preparer is ideal due to the reduced size and increased legibility, the above steps may help you reduce your file size beneath the 20MB limit.
If you have any questions, please Contact our Support Team for further assistance!