Did you choose someone other than the tax preparer to be the 3rd party designee?

I have the same problem.  The Preparer and 3rd Party Designee are the same.

The discussion states solved but do not see a solution.

If they are the same, you are done - the section is left blank.

Not done, the 3rd Party Designee does not populate.

It isn't supposed to populate.  READ THE WHOLE POST AND LOOK AT THE FORM ITSELF.

The section cannot be blank, because now it states that the IRS cannot discuss the return with the preparer.

Sorry, was not reading it, you are correct. Thanks

We finally succeeded!

The IRS can discuss with the paid preparer, you don't need to be the 3rd party designee as well.

Anytime Ive called the tax practitioner hotline and they ask me if Im the 3rd party designee, I tell them probably, but I dont need to be, I'm the paid preparer.