Efile FBAR forms (Form 114) without EFIN

[DavMillar99]

In the past Proseries has always allowed us to efile FBAR forms (Form 114) without having to have an EFIN.

This year, the program is preventing us from accessing the FBAR efile system without being registered for the IRS efile system (EFIN).

The FBAR efile system and the IRS efile system are completely separate, so requiring registration in the IRS efile system in order to file in the FBAR efile system makes no sense.

Non-US resident tax preparers are generally not allowed to register in the IRS efile system, so this new limitation in Proseries is going to prevent all of those tax preparers from efiling FBARs though Proseries.

How do we get this fixed?

[Just-Lisa-Now-]

I just file them online here, I dont register or use my EFIN or anything

https://bsaefiling.fincen.treas.gov/NoRegFBARFiler.html

[DavMillar99]

Hi Lisa:

Thanks for this, and yes agreed that we can complete FBARs manually and efile them directly with FinCen.

But doesn't that defeat the purpose of having a tax preparation program?

[Just-Lisa-Now-]

Im not sure why youd have a professional tax program without an EFIN.

[DavMillar99]

If I could, I would.

But preparers who are not eligible for social security numbers and live and work abroad are not eligible for IRS efile.

Have a look at #22 of the IRS FAQ here:

https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/frequently-asked-questions-e-file-requirements-for-specified-ta...

Also this discussion here:

https://proconnect.intuit.com/community/proconnect-tax-discussions/discussion/how-can-i-obtain-an-ef...

However, foreign preparers are eligible for FinCen Efile in order to file FBARs, which is why the restriction imposed by Proseries this year to only accept a valid IRS EFIN to file with FinCen makes no sense.