Filing Delays Due to Form 8960 and 1040-ES Instruction Status – Need Clarification
As of 2/22/2026, we are still receiving the following diagnostics:
Federal Form 8960 is final, but the instructions are still in draft.
Federal Form 1040-ES is final, but the instructions are still in draft.
Federal ES Worksheets are final, but the instructions are still in draft.
- Federal Multi-State Summ. is included in draft from.
Each diagnostic warns that if we file the return, calculations could change and an amended return may be required once the instructions are finalized.
At this point in the filing season, these diagnostics are materially delaying the printing and e-filing of completed returns. We have clients waiting, and we have no clear indication from Lacerte as to when these items will be resolved or removed.
What is particularly confusing is that the IRS website already has published instructions available for these forms. If the forms themselves are final and the IRS has released the corresponding instructions publicly, why is Lacerte still flagging them as “draft”?
Practitioners need clarity on:
What specifically is Lacerte waiting on?
Is this an IRS schema issue, an internal programming issue, or a timing issue?
When can we expect these diagnostics to be cleared so returns can be filed with confidence?
We rely on Lacerte for accurate and timely updates, especially during peak filing season. The current uncertainty forces us into an uncomfortable position with clients — either delay filing completed returns or proceed with the risk of amendments.
A clear status update and estimated resolution timeline would be greatly appreciated by the community.
