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How to indicate that the preparer is a Third Party Designee

SOLVED•by Intuit•ProSeries Basic•15•Updated July 27, 2021

A Third Party Designee is an individual—that isn't the taxpayer or spouse—that's authorized to speak with the IRS about the return on which they're designated. Refer to the applicable IRS form instructions for more information.

The IRS form instructions state the following about Third Party Designees:

If you want to allow a friend, a family member, or any other person you choose to discuss your 2021 tax return with the IRS, check the “Yes” box in the “Third Party Designee” section of your return. Also enter the designee's name, phone number, and any five digits the designee chooses as his or her personal identification number (PIN).

How do I enter a Third Party Designee?

Within ProSeries, on the Federal Information Worksheet - Part V, the Third Party Designee section only needs to be completed when the designee isn't the paid preparer.

Follow these steps to indicate that the Third Party Designee is the paid preparer:

  1. Go to the Federal Information Worksheet.
  2. Click the QuickZoom button next to Part V - Preparer/Designee.
  3. Locate the Third Party Designee section.
  4. Check the box labeled Paid preparer is third party designee (if checked, do not complete designee information).
    • The paid preparer's information will automatically populate for the designee's name, phone number and PIN.

Within ProSeries, on the Federal Information Worksheet - Part V, the Third Party Designee section only needs to be completed when the Third Party isn't the paid preparer. Checking the appropriate boxes and completing the designee information will complete the Schedule 6.

  • If the Preparer is the Third Party Designee, the box for Third Party Designee is checked on Form 1040, page 2, per the 2018 IRS instructions.
  • If someone other than the preparer is the Third Party Designee, the Third Party Designee section on Schedule 6 will be completed.

There was a change in the government instructions for the Form 1040 that removed the ability to enter the word Preparer on the designee's name line of the form. After this change, the preparer's information flows to the Information Worksheet as well as the form.

Checking the Preparer is third party designee box would enter the word Preparer on the Form 1040, on the designee's name line.

If you select Self-prepared or Non-paid Preparer, you will need to enter the designee's name, phone number, and Personal ID number.

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