Discussion:IRS e-file program
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Discussion Forum Index --> Tax Questions --> IRS e-file program
| 12 January 2008 | |
| Hi all,
I was installing my Taxcut today and realized that I needed an EFIN to e-file customer returns. I applied for e-services and am waiting my confirmation code so that I can complete the on-line application for e-file and obtain an EFIN. In the application, it asks me what kind of provider I am. The definition that my research indicates is correct is an ERO...electronic return originator. Rookie question, but is that correct. Since this is the government, I want to get this right! I am an Accountant (Non-CPA) that will be doing a few returns this year and I want to offer e-file as part of this. Thanks, Michael | |
PostingFromWork (talk|edits) said: | 12 January 2008 |
| ERO would be correct. It is pretty confusing.
The confirmation package for e-services takes a while to get to you by snail mail. Mine took ~2-3 weeks. For your e-file application, be prepared to wait at least a month for acceptance to the e-file program. You'll also need a fingerprint card (Since you are not a Circ 230 proffessional) to send in to the IRS. It should be ~$25 at the sheriffs office.
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Death&Taxes (talk|edits) said: | 12 January 2008 |
| Has anyone received their Efile package from the government yet this year? You know, the stickers and the wall chart showing when refunds will come....got it wrong, you had to order the stickers and the wall chart, but the information was in the package along with a letter confirming the number. | |
PostingFromWork (talk|edits) said: | 12 January 2008 |
| No stickers, but we've got the refund cycle chart. | |
Rgtaxservice (talk|edits) said: | 12 January 2008 |
| No confirmation letters anymore. From the IRS website:
Since Authorized IRS e-file Providers are able to obtain their own proof of e-file participation status and provide it to other Providers as needed, the IRS will not mail Annual Mass Acceptance (welcome back) letters for the 2008 filing season. Registered users of e‑Services with authority to view e-file applications can obtain proof of the Provider’s e-file participation status. | |
| 12 January 2008 | |
| I wouldn't count on efiling this year if you just applied... | |
Rgtaxservice (talk|edits) said: | 12 January 2008 |
| Be sure to use the fingerprint cards the IRS sends you. I used the ones from the local PD and the IRS would not accept them. If I remember correctly, it had to do with the color of the ink on the card itself. Red was for IRS, Black for FDI, Green? for another agency. It was something stupid like that....very hazy recollection. Although I so remember being p*ssed quite vividly. | |
| 12 January 2008 | |
| Posting from work....
I just gave myself a wedgie....I meant to type TAXACT...ACT that is! :D Too much, or not enough coffee! :D
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Rgtaxservice (talk|edits) said: | 12 January 2008 |
| I just used the e-services to get a summary copy of my authorization. What a PITA to more around that part of the site. It's not quite where the directions said they should be. | |
| 12 January 2008 | |
| Archer, I'm sure you already know this but just in case. If you do use your brother-in-law as an ERO for returns that you're paid to prepare, make sure he follows the "Other Paid Preparer" procedures when he efiles them. They're kind of obscure, and I don't even know how they would work for 2007 returns since I don't think the Form 8453 would be used for this anymore. Come to think of it, I don't know how to do this anymore. In the past, if you were only the ERO for a return prepared by another paid preparer, you had to use Form 8453 vice Form 8879. You would mark the original Form 1040 (the one with the paid preparer's signature) "Do Not Process - Other Paid Preparer." Then you would mail the 8453 with the 1040 attached to the IRS. In that manner, the IRS would have each party's signature, i.e., yours as ERO, the paid preparer's, and the taxpayer's. How it would work this year, I don't know because I think the 8453 can be used only for the attachments listed on it. I guess I'd better hope it doesn't come up, but I know it will, usually twice a tax season. Maybe the whole Other Paid Preparer fiasco is satisfied by showing the information on the 8879. | |
Death&Taxes (talk|edits) said: | 12 January 2008 |
| Thanks, RG. Where did you get the chart, PFW? | |
| 13 January 2008 | |
| Thanks Happytax, I really appreciate you taking the time to provide all of that information. I will find a way, I suppose.
Michael | |
| 13 January 2008 | |
| Hate to burst your bubble, but don't count on it. 45 days may be a good timeframe at anytime except for tax season. Let us know when you receive your EFIN. | |
| 14 January 2008 | |
| Will do!
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| 21 January 2008 | |
| I received my confirmation code on Saturday and I submitted my e-file application same day. I have the fingerprint cards and will get myself printed in the AM tomorrow and the cards sent ASAP.
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TaxNovice 1 (talk|edits) said: | 21 January 2008 |
| Good morning to all. Just one question regarding the Efile. Last year was my first year efiling. Do I have to re-register with the IRS and CA to do th efiling this year.
Thanks | |
| 22 January 2008 | |
| I didn't apply until 23 December (problem with my EIN being deactivated by the IRS) and received my EFIN 5 January! They were really burning rubber. Good luck on yours. | |
| 22 January 2008 | |
| Lion,
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| 1 February 2008 | |
| In the way of an update, I moved from Submitted Pending Documentation to Submitted New (they obviously received my fingrerprint cards--mailed a week plus ago) as of today's date. It looks like they might be a little slower than yours Lion. My background check should be routine as I have already been checked out by employers, cub scouts, CCW permit, etc. If I am not passing, priests better watch out because I am squeaky clean--not even a ticket in 21 years of driving.
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| 3 February 2008 | |
| It's official, I am spongeworthy! :D
Although I haven't received official confirmation, I looked on-line and I have been assigned an efile number and show as active!
So I submitted officially on January 21 (I think that was it), mailed my fingerprint cards on January 22, the IRS officially acknowledged receipt on 2/1/07, and I received my EFIN on 2/2/07. That's blazing fast to me!
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Death&Taxes (talk|edits) said: | 3 February 2008 |
| Congratulations, Michael! The speed is because IRS has a vested interest in signing up EROs; the more there are, the closer they get to their 80% goal. | |
| 4 February 2008 | |
| Hey Spongeworthy...
Congratulations. I also got an efin the other day, and my status is "active". My ERO status is "applied". I'm not sure if I should be able to file yet. What is your ERO status? And have you been able to e-file yet? The New Tax Guy (newtaxguy@yahoo.com) | |
| 4 February 2008 | |
| Newtaxguy,
I haven't tried....I received the email from the IRS telling me I was active and my status shoes active with a time and date stamp. I wonder if they forgot to update something on yours. I would call the IRS E-file help desk....they were actually pleasant and helpful to me! :D New | |
Griffinkjsr (talk|edits) said: | 25 February 2008 |
| NewArcher,
As of 2/23/08 I just got my efin on-line application completed. The fingerprint cards were sent in weeks ago. Hope I get the quick turnaround you did. Please continue to post any experiences with your efin and ero activity, since I am about 3 weeks behind you. | |
| 25 February 2008 | |
| griff,
in my limited experience the irs takes as long as they promise they will... no more, no less. | |
TheTinCook (talk|edits) said: | 25 February 2008 |
| Just a note for people applying for e-file:
If you are a Circular 230 professional and want access to the incentive products, you need to add a comment on the "Add Comment" section of the application stating that you are a Circ 230 professional and that you need access to the incentive products. This is the work around suggested by the e-services help desk. When I applied, I thought that my EA number supplied elsewhere in the return would be enough. The fix took only a couple of days and a phone call. | |
