APPLYING TO E-FILE TAX RETURNS
Professional tax preparers must become authorized e-file providers before filing returns electronically. File Federal Form 8633 to receive authorization and an EFIN (Electronic Filing Identification Number).
Who needs to complete Form 8633?
New e-filers.
Previously registered e-filers who want to revise their application. In some instances, you may revise your application by calling 1-866-255-0654.
E-Filers who have been dropped or suspended.
Paper applications are accepted all year for individual and business programs.
The online application is also available year-round.
The IRS recommends that you submit your application two months before the date you begin preparing returns. It takes the IRS up to 45 days to process your application. We recommend you submit your application by December 1 to begin e-filing in January.
Some states require a separate application to become an authorized e-filer in those states. Check with the states you intend to use to determine their requirements.
Online Application
Click here to link to the IRS e-services, online Form 8633.
Already registered for IRS e-services
1. If you have already registered to use IRS e-services, click the Login link.
2. Enter your Username and Password and click the I Accept button.
3. Select your Organization and click the Submit Selected Organization button.
4. Click the Application link.
5. Click the e-file Application link.
6. Select New Application to create a new Form 8633, or select a company name to modify an existing Form 8633.
7. Follow the IRS instructions to complete the application.
New to IRS e-services
1. If you have not yet registered to use IRS e-services, click the Registration Services link.
2. Click the registration link and complete the required registration process. Click Accept.
3. After registering for e-services, see the Already registered for IRS e-services steps above to complete Form 8633.
4. Click here to link to Form 8633 at the IRS website
Paper Application Form 8633
1. Click the Click here to link to Form 8633 at the IRS website link above. An electronic version of the form will appear. Print the form.
2. Or, on the IRS e-services page, click the Forms and Publications link under the IRS Resources heading on the left.
3. Under the Download forms and publications by heading, click the Form and Instruction number link.
4. Under List of PDF Files, highlight Form 8633 and click the Review Selected Files button.
5. Click the Form 8633 link. An electronic version of the form will appear. Print the form.
6. Begin filling out Form 8633 by checking the applicable box at the top of the form that corresponds with your firm's electronic filing status.
7. Enter your appropriate Firm Information to complete pages 1 and 2 of Form 8633. Use the following information to fill out the specific fields on the form:
• Line 2a – Answer "Yes" you will originate the electronic returns.
• Line 2b –- If you are a Reporting Agent for Form 940/941, you will need to answer "Yes" on this line. You may also want to check the boxes for e-filing 940 and 941 on line 4.
• Lines 2c-2f – Answer "No" to these questions.
• Line 3 – If you are a Not for Profit service, check the applicable box.
• Line 4 – Check all form types you will e-file for. TaxWorks supports 1040, ETD, 1065, 1120, 1120S, and 990.
• Line 5 – Do not check these boxes (for transmitters and software developers only).
• Line 6 – Check the applicable box.
Unless you check one of the boxes on page 1, line 3, or your only "Yes" response in section 2 is question E, you must provide a completed fingerprint card for each responsible official, corporate officer, owner, or partner listed on lines 7 and 8. If the corporate officer, owner, or partner changes, a completed fingerprint card must be provided for each new corporate officer, owner, or partner. If the corporate officer, owner, or partner is an attorney, banking official who is bonded and has been fingerprinted in the last two years, CPA, enrolled agent, or an officer of a publicly owned corporation, evidence of the current professional status may be submitted in lieu of the fingerprint card. Your application will not be processed if you do not privide a completed fingerprint card or evidence of professional status and the signature of each responsible official, corporate officer, partner, and owner. You can obtain fingerprint cards from your local police station. Make sure they use an "Applicant Fingerprint" card. You may also request fingerprint cards from the Andover Campus by calling 1-866-255-0654.
Upon completing Form 8633, mail it along with your fingerprint card(s) or evidence of professional status to one of the following addresses:
Standard Postal Service
Internal Revenue Service
Andover Campus Attn: EFU Acceptance
Testing Stop 983
P.O. Box 4099
Woburn, MA 01888-4099
Overnight Mail Service
Internal Revenue Service
Andover Campus
Attn: EFU Acceptance
Testing Stop 983
310 Lowell Street
Andover, MA 05501-0001
What to do once you have received your EFIN
Once the IRS has accepted your Form 8633 and issued your Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN), you are authorized to e-file tax returns. Enter your EFIN into the TaxWorks software to begin a terrific season of tax preparation!
