IRS Warns of E-file Application Changes

The Internal Revenue Service is warning tax professionals that starting October 1, it will no longer accept paper-based applications to become electronic filing providers.

Beginning next Monday, applications to become an IRS e-file provider must be submitted online. The IRS originally announced the change in procedure last month (see IRS to End e-File Provider Applications on Paper). Until now the IRS had been allowing tax professionals to fill out Form 8633 to become e-file providers.

Tax professionals can become e-file providers through three steps:

1. Create an IRS e-Services account.
2. Submit the e-file provider application online.
3. Pass a suitabilty check.

The online application process takes four to six weeks to complete, and the IRS is warning tax professionals not to delay. In addition, existing e-file providers must now use e-Services to make account updates.

Help is available at IRS.gov or through the IRS's e-Help Desk at 1-866-255-0654 (512-416-7750 for international calls), Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. CST. A Frequently Asked Questions page and online tutorials are available to answer questions or to guide users through the application process.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
Tax practice Tax season
MORE FROM ACCOUNTING TODAY