There’s an App for That!

Can you imagine an application that will instantly fill out and file the hundreds of tax returns you prepare each year? Well … we aren’t quite there yet. However, the IRS does offer a variety of online services and resources that can make the job easier.

e-Services for Tax Pros

e-Services is a suite of web-based products that allow tax professionals to conduct business with the IRS electronically. All tax professionals who wish to use e-services products must register online to create an individual electronic account. Products available through e-services include:

e-file Application. The IRS e-file Application can be completed online. You can also check the status of the application, as the IRS makes updates to the suitability check. The IRS e-file Application also enables you to update information when changes occur.

Transcript Delivery System. Eligible tax professionals can use this system to request and receive account transcripts, wage and income documents, tax return transcripts, and verification of non-filing letters for both individual and business clients. Tax pros must have a power of attorney on file before accessing a client’s account.

TIN Matching. Taxpayer identification number (TIN) matching is available to payers and authorized agents who file any of six information returns subject to backup withholding (Forms 1099-B, INT, DIV, OID, PATR, and MISC). Interactive TIN Matching allows payers to match up to 25 payee TIN and name combinations against IRS records before submitting information returns. Bulk TIN Matching can match up to 100,000 TIN and name combos. To use TIN Matching, a payer must be listed in the IRS Payer Account File (PAF) database; the system is not available to payers that have not filed information returns in the past two years.

Electronic Subscription Services

The IRS offers number free electronic subscription services to keep you up to date on the latest tax developments. Offerings include:

Quick Alerts keep tax pros instantly up to date on events and developments that affect e-filing, including processing delays, procedure changes, and e-file program updates.

Recent Developments Concerning Tax Products provides email updates on tax forms, instructions, publications, and other tax products.

e-News for Payroll Professionals is an electronic mail service designed to provide information specifically affecting federal payroll tax returns.

IRS Guidewire notifies subscribers, by email, when the IRS issues advance copies of tax guidance, such as regs, revenue rulings, revenue procedures, announcements, and notices.

e-News for Tax Professionals provides the latest news for the tax professional community, as well as links to resources on IRS. gov.

IRS Newswire subscribers receive news releases and other documents by email as they are issued.

IRS Tax Tips subscribers receive tips about taxes by email every business day during tax-filing season and periodically during the rest of the year.

Outreach Corner offers content and products that can be used in your own communication vehicles. Subscribers can access ready-to-use articles for print publications and articles, widgets, and podcasts for websites.

For a full listing of IRS online subscription resources and to subscribe go to https://www.irs.gov/uac/e-News-Subscriptions-2.

New Media

And there is, in fact, an app for connecting to the IRS—as well as other IRS social media offerings.

IRS2Go. Pros with an Apple iPhone or iTouch can download the free IRS2Go app by visiting the iTunes app store. Pros with Android devices can visit the Google Play Store to download the app.

YouTube. IRS YouTube channels offer informative videos in English, American Sign Language, and other languages.

Twitter. IRS tweets include various tax-related announcements, news for tax professionals, and hiring initiatives.

Facebook. The IRS Return Preparer Facebook page posts information for tax professionals.

Podcasts. Subscribe to IRS Podcasts on iTunes or download them from the IRS Multimedia Center.

Widgets. Post IRS widgets on your website or social media networks to help direct others to IRS.gov for complete details on a variety of topics. Get them and other tax products at IRS Marketing Express.