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Level 4
January 9, 2026
Question

Why am I getting this message when trying to e-file payroll reports after 01/08/26 update? It is January 9th!

  • January 9, 2026
  • 4 replies
  • 19 views

Error Code 54

Problem: efiling for your 940/944 forms is unavailable at this time

Solution: Please come back in early/mid January when efiling these forms will be available again. 

4 replies

Level 3
January 9, 2026

My guess is the IRS isn't accepting them yet?

bfolsomAuthor
Level 4
January 9, 2026

I have transmitted several others in Quickbooks desktop with no issue. They are our payroll clients. 

Level 3
January 9, 2026

This is an EasyAcct issue.  We could not e-file our Form 940's last year until the last few days of January.

bfolsomAuthor
Level 4
January 9, 2026

Thanks for the heads up! 

Level 4
January 9, 2026

I tried to e-filed several Forms 941 many days ago, still getting pending status, do you have the same issue?

bfolsomAuthor
Level 4
January 9, 2026

I was able to e-file 941 but not 940. 

Level 4
January 9, 2026

What status do you have, pending or approve?

Level 3
January 13, 2026

I was receiving the same error code and tried again today.  At once point they were going through and I was able to print the confirmation, now we are back to getting the same error message.  I am now afraid the ones that said accepted will be rejected and I will have to go back and redo it.  This takes too much time at this time of year.  Especially when you have over 100 payroll clients!

Kathi_at_Intuit
Moderator
January 15, 2026

Thank you for the continued feedback.

We have been reviewing all posts and threads regarding the 2025–2026 program to ensure feedback has been reviewed and all concerns captured.

Upcoming update post:

We will be publishing an outlining of what today’s update addresses. That post will serve as the central location for the latest information related to this release, and we will return to this thread to share the link once it is available.

Please centralize feedback:

Once the update post is live, we ask that you share what is working and what is not working directly on that post. Centralizing feedback will help ensure all concerns are captured as efficiently as possible.

Important note:

Today’s update will not resolve all outstanding issues, but it does move us one step closer.

We understand this has been a difficult and frustrating rollout, and we recognize the disruption this has caused. We appreciate your patience and the time you’ve taken to share your feedback. Please watch for the update post for the most current information.

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Kathi_at_Intuit
Moderator
January 15, 2026
**Click the 👍Thumbs up icon to say thanks on a post, and click Best Answer to mark the post that answered your question.