Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Computer Generated Forms
The data needed to process the return is captured from a scannable band located on the first page. NCDOR uses the scan band format to process returns through our data capture system. The detailed line-by-line information for the amount fields in the scan band is shown on accompanying pages. Your tax software is designed to transfer information into the scan band from the line-by-line information.
Below are examples of forms with scan bands.
Corporate: CD-401S, CD-405, CD-425, NC-478 Series
Individual: D-400, D-400PN, D-400 Sch S, D-400TC, D-410
Partnership: D-403, D-403TC
Estate and Trust: D-407, D-407TC
There are five common reasons why returns generated from software tax products are rejected.
- The return was generated using an unauthorized software product. An unauthorized tax form cannot process through the Department's processing system.
- The print quality of the return is so poor the information on the return is not legible.
- The submitted return was a photocopy that was resized in the copying process to the extent that the Department's processing system could not extract data from the return. Only original returns are accepted.
- The return was not a version created and not recognized by our processing system.
- The tax year on a prior return was marked through and the current year was printed. A prior year return cannot be processed as a current year tax return.
Yes. This list is available to the public via NCDOR web site. The list is updated weekly throughout the approval season. Click here to access the list.
No. Ask your paid preparer to print another return with the correct address. NCDOR uses the address in the scan band for its records. Hand corrections are not recognized by our system.
No. Tax preparers must use forms NC-5A or NC-5PA and leave the Account ID blank until a number has been assigned to the taxpayer. Once a number has been assigned, forms NC-5 and NC-5P must be used with the assigned number entered on the forms.