STARTING TOO LATE
The IRS says approval can take up to 45 days, and that clock doesn't speed up in January.
FREE EFIN GUIDE
GET YOUR EFIN BEFORE TAX SEASON GETS YOU.
Your EFIN is what lets your firm e-file with the IRS, and it's what you need to get set up with professional tax software. Approval can take up to 45 days, and one missing detail can push you past opening day. Get the free guide, or let us walk you through it.
- Step-by-step IRS process
- What to prepare
- Avoid common delays
WHERE EFIN APPLICATIONS GO WRONG
Most delays aren't the IRS. They're details that weren't ready before the application started.
ACCOUNT ACCESS STALLS
Essential people in your firm must be approved for IRS e-Services accounts before the firm can even begin.
FINGERPRINTING GETS MISSED
Anyone without a professional credential schedules their own Livescan appointment. Missing it can delay approval.
SUITABILITY SURPRISES
The IRS may review credit, tax compliance, criminal background, and past e-file compliance.
WRONG PROVIDER ROLE
Return preparers who e-file for clients generally choose Electronic Return Originator. Picking wrong means fixing it later.
A little preparation saves weeks of waiting.
YOUR EFIN IS THE E-FILE FOUNDATION.
An EFIN identifies a firm that has completed the IRS e-file application and been accepted as an authorized IRS e-file provider. It's what lets your firm e-file returns, and it's what you need to get set up with professional tax software.
The EFIN is firm-based. Your application covers the firm, its principals, responsible officials, provider role, and professional status.
Approval isn't instant. The IRS reviews the application and runs a suitability check before issuing your acceptance letter and EFIN.
PTINIdentifies an individual paid return preparer. Anyone who prepares federal returns for pay needs one.
EFINIdentifies a firm accepted into IRS e-file. Your firm needs one to e-file.
KNOW WHAT THE IRS WILL ASK FOR.
Gather this for your firm, principals, and responsible officials before you start.
IRS ACCOUNT ACCESS
Sign in or create an IRS account to reach e-Services. Essential individuals must be approved for e-Services before the firm can begin.
FIRM INFORMATION
Legal business name, tax identification information, address, entity details, and other requested firm information.
PRINCIPALS & RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS
The people who control the firm and the individuals responsible for following IRS e-file rules.
PROVIDER TYPE
Choose the role that fits your operation. Return preparers who e-file for clients generally select Electronic Return Originator (ERO).
PROFESSIONAL STATUS OR FINGERPRINTING
Certified or licensed individuals, such as attorneys, CPAs, and enrolled agents, enter their current status. Everyone else is fingerprinted through an IRS-authorized Livescan vendor.
SUITABILITY REVIEW
The IRS may check credit history, tax compliance, criminal background, and prior e-file compliance.
DON'T WAIT UNTIL FILING SEASON
APPROVAL CAN TAKE UP TO 45 DAYS.
The IRS says approval can take up to 45 days from submission. Missing information, fingerprinting, or additional review can extend that, so start well before you plan to transmit returns.
- 1Submit
- 2IRS review
- 3Fingerprints & suitability
- ✓Acceptance letter
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
HOW TO GET YOUR EFIN STEP BY STEP.
Complete each stage carefully, and keep your firm information current after approval.
- 1
PREPARE YOUR CREDENTIALS
Obtain or renew PTINs for anyone who prepares federal returns for pay, and gather your firm's legal and ownership information.
- 2
ACCESS THE IRS E-FILE APPLICATION
Sign in to your IRS account and open e-Services. Make sure every essential person's e-Services account is approved first.
- 3
COMPLETE & SUBMIT THE APPLICATION
Enter firm, principal, responsible official, provider role, and professional status information. You can save and come back.
- 4
FINGERPRINTING & SUITABILITY
Anyone without a professional credential schedules their own Livescan appointment from the application summary page. Then the IRS runs its suitability check.
- 5
RECEIVE YOUR ACCEPTANCE LETTER & EFIN
The IRS sends an acceptance letter with your firm's EFIN. Protect it, and use it only for your approved firm.
TWO WAYS WE HELP
THE EFIN GUIDE
The complete checklist and step-by-step process to do it yourself, at your own pace.
- Everything the IRS will ask for
- Each application step explained
- Common delays and how to avoid them
30-MINUTE WALKTHROUGH
A focused session to review where you are, what you still need, and your exact next step.
- Review your stage, timeline, and documents
- Firm info, responsible roles, and suitability
- Leave knowing exactly what to do next
AFTER YOU GET YOUR EFIN
YOUR EFIN UNLOCKS YOUR SOFTWARE.
Once your acceptance letter arrives, it's time to get ready to file.
- 1PROTECT YOUR EFIN
Keep it secure and use it only for your approved firm.
- 2CHOOSE YOUR SOFTWARE
Pick Cloud or Desktop to match how your office works.
- 3SET UP YOUR CRM
Your CRM comes ready with our tax office setup.
- 4GET TRAINED
Learn your software before the season hits.
LET'S CLEAR THINGS UP
How long does it take to get an EFIN?
The IRS says it can take up to 45 days from the date you submit your application. Missing information, fingerprinting, or additional review can make it take longer.
What's the difference between a PTIN and an EFIN?
A PTIN identifies an individual paid return preparer. An EFIN identifies a firm accepted into IRS e-file. Anyone who prepares federal returns for pay needs a PTIN, and your firm needs an EFIN to e-file.
Do I need to be fingerprinted?
Not if you're a certified or licensed professional, such as an attorney, CPA, or enrolled agent, and you enter your current professional status. Otherwise, each principal and responsible official is fingerprinted through an IRS-authorized Livescan vendor, scheduled from the application summary page.
What does the suitability check look at?
The IRS may review credit history, tax compliance, criminal background, and prior noncompliance with IRS e-file requirements.
Do I need an EFIN to get tax software?
Yes. You'll need your approved EFIN to get set up with TaxPro HQ software and e-file your clients' returns.
Is the walkthrough really free?
Yes. The 30-minute EFIN walkthrough is free. Pick a time that works for you.
IRS requirements can change. Always confirm current details at IRS.gov.
START BEFORE THE RUSH
DON'T LET PAPERWORK COST YOU A SEASON.
Get your EFIN application ready the right way, with the free guide or a free walkthrough.