1040 box is checked 3rd Party Desig; no Sch6. IRS rep says box *not* checked &Sch 6 indicates "no" to a 3rd party. Efile to IRS diff from software & file client signed?

[pgbcpa]

The 3rd party designee box is checked on Form 1040 and there is no Schedule 6 according to Lacerte and the PDF copy which the client signed off on. I contacted the IRS to assist the client in resolving a matter and was told that the version they received (efile) does *not* have the 3rd Party Designee box check; there *is* a Sched 6 and it indicates that they may *not* speak with a 3rd party. I am absolutely certain that no modification was made to this return by me and I am the only person in my office with access. How is it that what I see in the software and on the PDF differs from what the IRS received? 

[TaxGuyBill]

It is quite possible the either Intuit and/or the IRS has something screwed up.  As for which, I have no idea.

In the meanwhile, you may need to use Form 2848 or 8821.

[George4Tacks · Accepted solution]

I just looked at a return. Page 1 of the 1040 shows X in the 3rd Party Designee.

There is no Schedule 6, but if I look at the Schedule 6, there is an X in No box. 

If I view the e-file I do find "<ThirdPartyDesigneeInd>true</ThirdPartyDesigneeInd>"

My simplistic explanation is that IRS did not have sufficient time to properly program their software to handle the new Schedule 6, especially when the preparer need not be listed on Schedule 6, but rather gets the client blessing on Page 1 of the 1040. 

Maybe you can refer the IRS agent to page 25 of the IRS Instructions for 1040 https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040gi.pdf

"If you want to allow your paid preparer to be able to discuss your return with the IRS, check the “3rd Party Designee” checkbox. 

If you check the “3rd Party Designee” box, you, and your spouse if filing a joint return, are authorizing the IRS to call the designee to answer any questions that may arise during the processing of your return. You also are authorizing the designee to: 

• Give the IRS any information that is missing from your return, 
• Call the IRS for information about the processing of your return or the status of your refund or payment(s), 
• Receive copies of notices or transcripts related to your return, upon request, and
• Respond to certain IRS notices about math errors, offsets, and return preparation. 

This authorization will automatically end no later than the due date (not counting extensions) for filing your 2019 tax return. This is April 15, 2020, for most people. 

If you want someone other than your paid preparer to be your third party designee, do not check the box here. Instead, see Third Party Designee in the Schedule 6 instructions."