This article will help you:
- Understand how to register your EFIN before e-filing returns
- Learn how to register your EFIN with ProConnect Tax
As part of our continuing commitment to work with the IRS, states, and industry to combat tax fraud, Intuit requires all tax professional customers to have IRS documentation of their E-File Identification Number (EFIN) registration on file before you can e-file through Intuit's professional tax products.
Table of contents:
Steps to register your EFIN with ProConnect Tax:
- Sign in to ProConnect Tax.
- Click Settings at the bottom left of your screen.
- Press EFIN Registration/Update.
- Scroll down to the Select a reason below to begin registration or to update firm information field and select the reason that applies to your firm.
- Gather the documents and information you'll need to continue. When you're ready, check the box at the bottom of your screen labeled I have all the required documents and information to proceed, and click Next.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to enter your information. All fields are required, unless they're marked as Optional. You can find your EFIN and EFIN Application Tracking Number on the EFIN Application Summary you received from the IRS e-Services website.
- If you don't know how to find your EFIN Application Summary, see here for instructions on accessing the Application Summary on the IRS e-Services website.
- Select the Document Type you're going to upload, then click Browse to choose the file from your computer.
- Select the file to be uploaded. The document Intuit requires for EFIN registration is the Application Summary from the IRS e-Services website, or if you received your EFIN less than 12 months ago, you can upload your IRS letter. Please do not submit any other documents on this form.
- Check the box to agree to the terms and conditions shown at the bottom of the form.
- Click the Submit button. The button will be grayed out if any required field is left blank.
Why do I need to register my EFIN?
Protecting your EFIN account and your taxpayer data is as important to us as it is to you. As such, we require that all Electronic Return Originators (EROs) provide registration of their EFIN before you're approved to start e-filing. It's an important first step in preventing tax-related identity theft and fraud. If any of the following conditions apply to you, you need to register your EFIN before e-filing returns:
- You are new to e-filing with Intuit and haven't previously submitted registration.
- Your firm name or business address changed. The IRS requires that your firm name and business address match your IRS EFIN Application Summary.
- You are notified by email or by one of the e-file reject messages below.
- 853 Oops! The EFIN has not been registered to your Account!
- 854 Attention! Your EFIN privileges have been temporarily disabled by Intuit.
You do not need to register your EFIN if:
- You do not intend to e-file returns.
- You have previously submitted the Application Summary, you are currently able to e-file successfully, and your EFIN Application DBA name and physical address are current.
When will my EFIN documentation be processed?
EFIN updates are usually made within 2 business days after you complete the registration form. E-filing may be delayed until processing is complete.
What if my EFIN was rejected?
If your EFIN registration is rejected you will receive an email from EFIN_Verification@Intuit.com with further information. Some of the most common rejection reasons are:
- Incorrect Documentation: This rejection is caused if the uploaded file is not the Application Summary or EFIN Acceptance Letter. Click here for information on how to download the correct form from the IRS e-Services website. Once you have the correct form, re-submit your EFIN registration.
- Not a current customer: If you have not yet renewed for the current tax year or purchased a product your EFIN registration will be rejected until you make a purchase.
- ProConnect Tax not Licensed on Account: This rejection is caused when a purchase has not yet been made in ProConnect Tax. Before being able to complete EFIN registration you will need to purchase at least one tax return in PTO then re-submit your EFIN registration.
- Critical Registration Information Missing: This rejection is caused when the attachment is a scanned copy and some of the key pieces of data are blurry, missing or hard to read. For best results download a new copy of the EFIN Application Summary from the IRS e-Services website. Click here for information on how to download a new copy and then submit your registration again.
- Documentation is older than 12 months: EFIN documents are only good for 12 months from the date they were issued or printed. Click here for information on how to download the correct form from the IRS e-Services website. Once you have the correct form, re-submit your EFIN registration.
- Incomplete Documentation: This rejection is caused when the Application Summary is submitted before the IRS has finished processing it. On the IRS e-Services website be sure the EFIN Application Summary shows Complete for the status before saving and submitting the form. Once the status is Complete on IRS e-Service submit EFIN registration again.
Safeguarding my EFIN
The IRS recommends that you help safeguard your EFIN. During the filing season, check on your EFIN status to ensure that your EFIN is not being used by others improperly. Your e-file application on the IRS e-Services website will help verify the volume received by the IRS which you can match to your records. The statistics are updated weekly. Should you see a higher volume than you transmitted, please contact the IRS e-help Desk.
Name and address requirements
- It's important that your Firm Name (DBA Name), Firm Physical Address, EFIN, and ERO Contact on your EFIN Application Summary match the account information Intuit has on file.
- By submitting your Application Summary as registration of your EFIN, you authorize Intuit to make changes to your Intuit account name and address to conform to the EFIN registration with the IRS. If you make changes to your EFIN registration with the IRS, please notify Intuit immediately by submitting a new EFIN Registration form.
- P.O. Boxes will not be approved for your firm address. The IRS requires a physical address on your EFIN Application and for ERO lookup purposes. Intuit requires your physical address for licensing of the software in the End User License Agreement.
- Only one EFIN may be used to transmit returns from one software license. The EFIN should be registered to the firm where returns are prepared. For more information, see IRS FAQs About Electronic Filing ID Numbers.
Why does Intuit require EFIN registration
IRS Publication 3112, page 12, requires e-file transmitters (such as Intuit) to register your EFIN:
"Authorized IRS e-file Providers may use only other Authorized IRS e-file Providers to perform IRS e-file activities, including but not limited to origination and transmission of electronic submission. For example, Transmitters must ensure that they are transmitting only for Authorized IRS e-file Providers. Providers should request other Providers provide information to ascertain that they are Authorized IRS e-file Providers."
