Definitions - Government Issued Numbers: EFIN, ERO, ETIN, EIN, ITIN, PTIN, and TIN
Understanding commonly used terms and their acronyms can make it easier to prepare and file your tax return.
Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN): Refers to the number issued by the IRS or Social Security Administration to identify taxpayers. For individual filers, TIN is usually the taxpayer’s Social Security Number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). Other TINs include identification (ID) numbers listed below and the Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN).
Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN): A six-digit ID number assigned by the IRS for e- filing.
Electronic Return Originator (ERO): An authorized IRS e-file provider that originates the electronic submission of returns to the IRS.
Electronic Transmitter Identification Number (ETIN): A five-digit ID number assigned by the IRS to a participant in IRS e-file that performs activity of transmission and/or software development. (TaxAct has an ETIN.) If a customer doesn’t transmit his or her own returns directly to the IRS, he or she will not use an ETIN.
Employer Identification Number (EIN): A nine-digit number used to identify the tax accounts of employers and certain others who don’t have employees.
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): A nine-digit tax processing number for certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents. The ITIN is available from the IRS only for people who cannot obtain a SSN. (To obtain an ITIN, complete the IRS Form W-7 Application for IRS Individual Identification Number.
Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN): An eight-digit ID number that starts with a "P." Anyone who prepares or assists with preparing federal tax returns for compensation must have a valid PTIN, and all enrolled agents must also have a PTIN. The PTIN cannot be used in place of the EIN of the tax preparation firm.
Site Identification Number (SIDN): An eight-digit ID number that starts with an "S" and identifies a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) site. The SIDN is used on every return prepared by any of the volunteers at a particular VITA site in place of a PTIN, which is for use only by paid preparers. (A paid preparer won’t have a SIDN.)
Note that any link in the information above is updated each year automatically and will take you to the most recent version of the webpage or document at the time it is accessed.
FAQs
After completing the validation, the IRS will assign you an EFIN (Electronic Filing Identification Number) and an ETIN (Electronic Transmitter Identification Number). Record your 20-digit tracking number.
What is ERO or EFIN? ›
Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN): A six-digit ID number assigned by the IRS for e- filing. Electronic Return Originator (ERO): An authorized IRS e-file provider that originates the electronic submission of returns to the IRS.
What is the difference between PTIN and EFIN? ›
Preparer Tax Identification Numbers are issued to individuals. Electronic Filing Identification Numbers are issued to individuals or firms. Most preparers need both.
What is the difference between ITIN and etin? ›
The acronyms EIN, TIN, and ITIN are used by the IRS to identify the different types of tax ID numbers. The main difference between an EIN and an ITIN or TIN is that an EIN is used for business entities while an ITIN is used for individuals.
What does ero stand for? ›
An ERO is an IRS-approved provider that originates the submission of electronic returns. An ERO can be the same person or entity as the preparer or they can be different. The person filing electronic returns using UltraTax CS is the ERO.
What is an ero number? ›
An Electronic Return Originator (ERO) PIN is a numeric representation of the preparer's signature used on Form 8879. It's not assigned by any taxing agency, but rather self-selected. It can be any 5-digit number other than all 9's or all 0's. Refer to IRS Pub.
What does ERO mean in government? ›
The Electronic Return Originator (ERO) is the Authorized IRS e-file Provider who originates the electronic submission of a return to the IRS.
Who needs an ERO number? ›
An ERO PIN (Practitioner PIN) is used when a preparer is including Form 8879 IRS e-file Signature Authorization in the submission of a client's return. The number is created by the preparer following the IRS criteria listed in the IRS Self-Select PIN Method for Forms 1040 and 4868 Modernized e-File (MeF) webpage.
Can anyone get an EFIN number? ›
No, not everyone can obtain an Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN). EFINs are issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to tax professionals who are authorized to e-file tax returns for their clients.
Can I use my SSN instead of PTIN? ›
A preparer tax identification number, or PTIN, is a substitute for a tax professional's Social Security number (SSN). The PTIN is required for all paid preparers of individual income tax returns.
An ITIN does not provide work authorization or legal status. However, as mentioned above, in certain circ*mstances, an ITIN can help you receive payment for services rendered to businesses, such as through independent contracting. CAN I APPLY FOR AN ITIN IF I AM UNDOCUMENTED? Yes.
How do I know my EFIN is approved? ›
To check your EFIN status within your account:
- Sign in to your TaxAct account online, then click Practice Administration.
- Click the EFIN Verification dropdown to see your EFINs and statuses.
A Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is an identification number used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the administration of tax laws. It is issued either by the Social Security Administration (SSA) or by the IRS.
Is a TIN the same as my SSN? ›
Section I – TIN Description
U.S. taxpayer identification numbers include a Social Security Number (SSN), which is issued to individuals, and an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which is issued to individuals or entities.
What does ITIN stand for? ›
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service.
How long does it take to get an ETIN? ›
The processing timeframe for an EIN application received by mail is four weeks. Ensure that the Form SS-4PDF contains all of the required information. If it is determined that the entity needs a new EIN, one will be assigned using the appropriate procedures for the entity type and mailed to the taxpayer.
What is an intermediate service provider with the IRS? ›
Intermediate Service Provider (ISP).
An ISP assists with processing return information between an ERO, or the taxpayer in the case of Online Filer, and a Transmitter.
How many returns can you file without an EFIN? ›
If an individual wants to prepare and electronically file more than five (5) tax returns, the IRS requires that individual obtain an EFIN (Electronic Filing Identification Number).
