Re: EFIN Issue

Kpeabody

In a bit of a weird situation. Was working with for a CPA who was slowly retiring and who I was slowly inheriting the firm. Unfortunately passed away recently and suddenly. To future complicate the matter, while I'm listed as a user on his EFIN, I wasn't given the Correct level of authority, so they shut down that EFIN pretty quickly. I Immediately applied for one and am now stuck waiting the 45 days. (most like more since its the worse time) This was about 3 weeks ago so hoping it faster but doubt it.

In the meantime is there anything I can do? Like will Intuit allow me to borrow someone else EFIN (If they agree) and file under their firm? Anything I can do to speed it along?

Just-Lisa-Now-

There are places called Service Bureaus out there that will get let you use one of their EFINS (im not sure that's the correct verbiage, they will obtain an EFIN for you to use at your location) but be fore warned, they usually want a % of your fees for this.

I dont have any that I can recommend, and if you do connect with one, be very clear on what youre agreeing to before signing on.

♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥Lisa♥¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪

George4Tacks

IRS QuickAlerts came out 2/11/2026

Subject: Unauthorized Use of an EFIN

ATTN: Authorized IRS e-file Providers/EROs

As a reminder, Authorized IRS e-file Providers are required to follow the safeguarding and unauthorized use policies set forth in Publication 3112, IRS e-file Application and Participation, and Publication 1345, Authorized IRS e-file Providers of Individual Income Tax Returns.

Providers must protect their EFINs from unauthorized use and never share them. Prohibited actions include:

Accepting payment for the use of an EFIN or purchasing an EFIN from someone else. (e.g., renting/leasing/selling).
Transferring EFINs to another entity when transferring the business by sale, gift or other disposition.
Selling software for resale (re-branding, white label, etc.), the software developer must ensure that the original purchaser does not resell the software with the original purchasers EFIN.

Answers are easy. Questions are hard!

George4Tacks

Try calling

https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/e-help-desk-for-tax-professionals#

Answers are easy. Questions are hard!

Kpeabody

The Timely of that is crazy. Like Literary 2 days ago. Had a feeling that would be the case anyways. Guess i'm stock waiting...

Kpeabody

First thing I did. Unfortunately nothing they can do.

Terry53029

I believe you will just have to mail your clients returns until you receive your own, or you could go to a local preparer, and ask them to process them for a fee.