- Declaration Control Number (DCN)
Declaration Control Number (DCN)
Select a link below to go directly to a topic or read through the document to learn about the Declaration Control Number (DCN).
- What is a DCN?
- Where do I locate my DCN?
- What is the DCN used for?
- Are the federal and state DCNs the same?
- What should I do if I got my DCN but didn't get it through TurboTax?
- Should I keep the DCN for my personal records?
- What is the acceptance date and why is it important?
- What if I elected to use the electronic signature option?
A DCN (declaration control number) is a 14-digit number assigned to your tax return by the transmitter of the return (Intuit - TurboTax). After you e-file your return, you'll see the DCN in the confirmation e-mail that the Intuit Electronic Filing Center sends to you. You can also see the DCN when you return to the TurboTax program to check e-file status.
The first two digits of a DCN are always 00, the next six digits are the electronic filer identification number (EFIN), the next five digits are the batch number and serial number. The 7 represents the year the return was filed (2007). Example of a DCN: 00-123456-12345-7
The DCN is located in the top left corner of Form 8453-OL. You can view your DCN in TurboTax after you e-filed and checked your e-file status . TurboTax automatically inserts your DCN onto your federal and state signature forms (ex. Form 8453-OL) when you check your e-file status through the TurboTax program.
The main reason you need a DCN is so the IRS can match your e-filed tax return to your signed Form 8453-OL. If you choose to e-file your return but sign on paper, Form 8453-OL is the paper signature form you must mail to the IRS along with the federal copy of your Form W-2.
Possibly. State taxing agencies also issue DCNs when they accept e-filed returns. Usually the federal and state DCNs are the same. However, if the state you e-filed in is an independent e-file state, the state and federal DCNs are different. California, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, and Minnesota are independent e-file states.
If you weren't able to check your status from within TurboTax (for example, your Internet connection wasn't working from within TurboTax), and you obtained your DCNs another way (for example, at turbotax.com/efstatus, or by calling the IRS), enter your federal DCN on the Your Federal E-file Confirmation Number screen. Now, when you print Form 8453-OL, the form will include your DCN.
Do the same with your state DCN on the Your State E-file Confirmation Number screen.
Yes. After you successfully check your status from within TurboTax, or enter your DCNs on Interview screens in TurboTax, finish the e-filing process for each return by printing your filing instructions. These will include your DCNs.
The acceptance date is the date the IRS accepts your return. If the IRS owes you a refund, use your acceptance date to calculate the date you can expect your federal refund to arrive. For example, if you selected direct deposit, your refund will generally arrive 10 to 16 days after the IRS accepts your e-filed return. If you check your status from within TurboTax, we automatically enter the acceptance date for you. You'll see it when you finish the e-filing process and print your filing instructions.
If you can't check your status from within TurboTax (for example, your Internet connection isn't working), you can check it by calling the IRS or by going to http://www.turbotax.com/efstatus. When you do, make a note of the acceptance date. Enter the acceptance date in TurboTax when it's requested. That way, if you are expecting a refund, we can calculate the date you can expect it.
If you check your status by calling the TurboTax 24-hour automated service number at (800) 780-9247, you won't be given your acceptance date. If you don't have your acceptance date, don't worry; the IRS will still process your refund without it. You can expect your refund to arrive approximately 10 to 16 days after the IRS accepts your electronic return.
You will save time. The electronic signature enables you to complete your tax return completely paperless. When you elect this option during the Print & File area of the TurboTax Interview, you'll have the option of creating a 5-digit PIN that will be used as your digital signature during the e-filing process in place of a completing and mailing Form 8453-OL to the IRS.
To use the electronic signature, you'll need:
- The exact amount of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from your previous year's tax return
- A Personal Identification Number (PIN) that you select during the EasyStep Interview prior to e-filing your tax return
