Tax Law and News Tax pros can apply to be an IRS authorized e-file provider in a few simple steps Read the Article Open Share Drawer Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) Written by Intuit Accountants Team Modified Nov 3, 2022 2 min read Over 90% of all individual federal tax returns are filed electronically. Becoming an IRS-authorized e-file provider is important for tax preparers who want to keep up with client demand and grow their business. All it takes is a few simple steps. Tax pros need to sign in or create an account for e-services access and complete the application. The e-file application is located on the IRS.gov e-services webpage under the E-file Provider Services section. To access the e-file application, providers need to log in with an existing IRS online account or register with the IRS’s credential service provider. During the application process, providers can complete the application at their own pace. They can even save their progress and return to the application later. To complete the application, providers will need to: Fill out identification information for their firm. Enter information about each principal and responsible official in their organization. Choose the e-file provider option. Return preparers who want to offer e-file to their clients should select Electronic Return Originator. Get electronically fingerprinted, if needed. If the principal or responsible official is certified or licensed, such as an attorney, CPA, or enrolled agent, they must enter their current professional status information. All other individuals will need to be fingerprinted. The IRS recently transitioned to a new electronic fingerprinting process. Applicants must schedule an appointment with the IRS-authorized vendor for fingerprinting. The scheduling link is located on the e-file application summary page. There is no charge for this service. Pass a suitability check. After the IRS receives the application and required information, the agency will conduct a suitability check, which may include a credit check, tax compliance check, criminal background check, or a check for prior non-compliance with IRS e-file requirements. It can take up to 45 days from the date of submission for the IRS to approve an application. Once an application is approved, the IRS will mail an acceptance letter with the preparer’s Electronic Filing Identification Number or EFIN. More information: Publication 3112, IRS e-file Application and Participation Previous Post November 2022 tax and compliance deadlines Next Post IRS announces tax year 2023 changes to the standard deduction,… Written by Intuit Accountants Team The Intuit® Accountants team provides ProConnect™ Tax, Lacerte® Tax, ProSeries® Tax, and add-on software and services to enable workflow for its customers. Visit us at https://proconnect.intuit.com, or follow us on Twitter @IntuitAccts. More from Intuit Accountants Team Comments are closed. Browse Related Articles Tax Law and News Your IRS To-Do List to Get Ready for 2020 Practice Management There’s an App for That! Tax Law and News IRS implements new fingerprinting process for efile Tax Law and News Modernized e-file: Are you in compliance? Tax Law and News Action Required! Make Sure Your IRS EFIN Application is… Tax Law and News IRS Announces a New Tax Transcript and Transcript Deliv… Tax Law and News Are your tax return preparer credentials in order? Tax Law and News IRS Warns Tax Pros of New Scam Posing as Professional A… Practice Management IRS Reminds Professional Tax Preparers of Data Security… Tax Law and News IRS e-Services Migration and Registration Requirements