I am an in-house corporate tax accountant. We file a single corporate return, 1 federal return and multiple state returns. Do I need to have an EFIN?

[IRonMaN · Accepted solution]

That is the shortest answer I have seen today, but I'm not sure whether or not it is correct.  
As far as the EFIN goes, if you are using a professional tax software you are going to need an EFIN to e-file the return.  You can escape the requirement if you use the TurdoTax business package.  But then again, paper filing is always an option.

[abctax55]

I was in the wrong forum
I agree - no EFIN, no efile.....except for Turdo Tax.
It seems PTO is being used by more people to prepare their own returns; but I'm guessing an EFIN is still required.
@itonewbie - Jensen?

[George4Tacks]

I think the answer is not required , but @The Intuit Boris is the go to for the "official"  PTO answer

[George4Tacks]

Maybe @PTOsTracy would know

[itonewbie]

Hmmm, looks like most, if not all, tax products catering to tax professionals will need an EFIN and PTO is no different, if for nothing else, to prevent abuses.

[IntuitTracy]

EFIN and PTIN would be required to efile, but not to paper file.

[George4Tacks]

Correct me if I am wrong, but in the back of my mine I think I learned somewhere that in this situation, the employee/preparer is a paid preparer. They work for the firm and are paid to prepare this return. That would require a PTIN https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/frequently-asked-questions-do-i-need-a-ptin 

As Tracy said, EFIN only if e-filing. 

[TaxGuyBill]

From your link:

9. If an employee of a business prepares the business’ tax returns as part of their job responsibilities, do they need to obtain a PTIN? (revised 9/28/10)

No. An employee who prepares his employer’s federal tax returns is not required to sign as a paid preparer. Accordingly, unless the employee prepares other federal tax returns for compensation, he or she is not required to register and obtain a PTIN.

[George4Tacks]

Okay, I need to buff up my aging eyes and glasses. Thanks, Bill

[IRonMaN]

Maybe you have buffed up your eyes once too often.  Personally, I would stick to buffing up glasses and leave your eyes alone.

[IntuitTracy]

#Teamwork Thank you for the IRS link @George4Tacks

[abctax55]

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