How do I become an IRS e-File provider?What is the EFIN application process?
Per theIRS,"As of January 1, 2012, any tax return preparer who anticipates preparing and filing 11 or more Forms 1040... during a calendar year must use IRS e-file..." Tax preparers can request a waiver of the e-filing requirement due to hardship withForm 8944. If a return that is generally subject to the e-filing mandate is paper-filed,Form 8948should be included withthe paper-filed return.
Applications to become an IRS e-file provider must be submitted online via a 3-step process:
- Create an IRS e-Services account.
- Submit your application to become an authorized IRS e-file provider.
- Pass a suitability check.
Notes:
- Approval of the online application can take up to 45 days.
- After receiving your EFIN from the IRS, you will need to register that EFIN with Drake before you will be able to e-file. See Related Links below for the process.
- Additional useful links are:
- Help is available atIRS.govor through the e-Help Desk at 1-866-255-0654.
- Generally, it is not necessary to reapply for an EFIN each year - seePublication 3112, page 12 for more information.
- Step 2 generally requires fingerprinting; seePublication 3112for a list of exceptions."Beginning September 25, 2022, the IRS will implement a new electronic fingerprinting process, requiring you to schedule an appointment with the IRS authorized vendor for fingerprinting." See the IRS website for details.
Note: Be careful when selecting your EFIN type. To e-file through Drake Tax you must have a regular EFIN, not an online filer EFIN. Online filer EFINsbegin with 10, 21, 32, 44 or 53 and cannot be used when e-filingfrom Drake Tax. If you have selected this type of EFIN, you must update your EFIN application by following the steps in section 3.42.10.5.2.1 (09-11-2020) of the IRS manual. EF message 6097 generates in view mode if you have entered this type of EFIN in Setup > Firms.
“If the first two digits of the EFIN in the IRS Submission Manifest are 10, 21, 32, 44, or 53, then “originatorTypeCd” in the Return Header must have the value “OnlineFiler”. Contact the IRS's e-Services for assistance in obtaining a different EFIN type.”
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FAQs
It can take up to 45 days from the date of submission for the IRS to approve an application. Once an application is approved, the IRS sends an acceptance letter in the mail with the preparer's Electronic Filing Identification number.
How to get efin number from IRS? ›
We assign an EFIN to identify firms that have completed the IRS e-file Application to become an Authorized IRS e-file Provider. After the provider completes the application and passes a suitability check, we send an acceptance letter, which includes the EFIN, to the Provider.
Why was my EFIN application rejected? ›
Common reasons an EFIN application is denied include incomplete or inaccurate information, failure to meet eligibility criteria, or previous non-compliance issues.
How do I know my EFIN is approved? ›
If you see an item that says "Verified," your EFIN is verified and you do not need to resubmit. You do not submit each year, you would only submit again if you had a new EFIN. You may remove an incorrect or dropped EFIN from the list by clicking Remove next to the EFIN.
Can I efile without EFIN? ›
If you do not have an EFIN, you cannot e-file tax returns on behalf of your clients. Instead, you will need to prepare the returns manually and have your clients sign and mail them to the IRS.
How many returns can I file with without 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).
What are the requirements for an EFIN? ›
This process may include a credit check, a tax compliance check, a criminal background check, and a check for prior non-compliance with IRS e-file requirements. Once approved, you will receive an acceptance letter from the IRS containing your Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN).
What is the fee to receive an EFIN from the IRS? ›
Obtaining an EFIN from the IRS is free. However, you may have to get fingerprinted and pass a “suitability check.” Fingerprinting usually costs around $50. The IRS can take up to 45 days to process an EFIN application, so get your application in now to make sure you receive your EFIN before tax season starts.
Do I need both EFIN and PTIN? ›
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 EFIN and ETIN? ›
An EFIN is required in order for you to e-file your corporation's return with the IRS. This table will contain your 5- digit ETIN for the Form you will be filing. The ETIN is required if you plan to transmit your own return to the IRS. If you are using a third-party transmitter, then you will not be using your ETIN.
Suitability Check.
This may include: a credit check; a tax compliance check; a criminal background check; and a check for prior non-compliance with IRS e-file requirements. Once approved, you will get an acceptance letter from the IRS with your Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN).
What is the difference between EFIN and ERO? ›
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.
How long does it take to get accepted to an e-file? ›
24 hours after e-filing a tax year 2023 return. 3 or 4 days after e-filing a tax year 2022 or 2021 return. 4 weeks or more after mailing a return.
How long does it take for IRS to accept approval? ›
(updated December 22, 2023) We issue most refunds in less than 21 calendar days. However, if you mailed your return and expect a refund, it could take four weeks or more to process your return.
How long does IRS e-file take? ›
Electronically filed Form 1040 returns are generally processed within 21 days.
