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, make sure you are connected to the Internet. You must be connected to the Internet to submit your tax return through Wisconsin e-file.

    If you are connected to the Internet, it could be that Wisconsin e-file is temporarily unavailable. You should save your return in a portable document format (PDF) to your computer or other storage device (CD, flash drive, etc.) by clicking "File" and "Save As" before closing Wisconsin e-file. Try submitting your return at a later time.

    If you continue to have problems with submitting your return, you should contact DOR by:

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

    Adobe Acrobat Reader will warn you any time that a PDF attempts to connect to the Internet. When you open the return 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. Check the box "Remember my action for this site" and click Allow to begin your return.

    Security warning with Allow button circled

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

    Adobe Acrobat Reader will warn you any time that a PDF attempts to connect to the Internet. When you click the Submit Return button button on your Wisconsin e-file form, warning messages like the ones in the images below may appear on your screen. Check the box "Remember my action for this site" and click Allow button on each of these warnings to submit your return.

    Example of Security Warnings

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) 267-1030
Email Additional Questions

Last updated December 18, 2012