Why is software keep saying my EFIN is not valid?
I'm a paid preparer so I want to enter information but the EFIN keeps coming back as invalid but checked on the IRS website and it is active. What is the possible issue?
Best Answers
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Welcome Ayandez05!
As a paid preparer, if you wish to file using our services you will need both a PTIN and an Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) assigned to you by the IRS.The EFIN is a six digit number. If the software is providing an alert that the EFIN is not valid it may be that your entry does not meet the six digit field requirement. Please double check that you have entered this correctly.
If you do not have an EFIN, please go to the IRS e-Services website and complete the e-file application. If you need help completing your e-file application, call the IRS e-help desk at 1-866-255-0654.
If you continue to experience difficulties, can you please sign in to the account and select the Support tab? Here you can send a message to our support team so that they can assist you further.
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Hi Hector….I used the support and they were super helpful. I had an EFIN that began with a 21. I had the wrong type of EFIN. Here is the information that was provided. "If the first two digits of an EFIN are 10, 21, 32, 44, or 53, we cannot accept them for use as a paid preparer. These EFINs are reserved for e-file originators. I recommend you contact the IRS group who administers EFINs and let them know you need an EFIN that can be used as a paid preparer." I contacted the eservices representative. The rep was able to fix my EFIN problem and provide a new EFIN within a few minutes. I only had to wait 4 hours to talk to someone. Hope this helps.
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Answers
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I have an active PTIN and EFIN and I have entered them accurately but the software is not accepting only the EFIN. Does the software validate with the IRS database when you click continue? Does anyone else have or have had the same issue?
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Contacted the IRS to fix it. Thanks!
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I am having this same issue with my efin. I have contacted the IRS and they verified that my efin is active. I was told the software needs to verify before I can efile. I have my tracking number and efin.
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Hello Rosen79,
The EFIN is a six-digit number, and if you're receiving an alert that it's invalid, the most common issue is that the entry doesn't meet the six-digit field requirement. Please double-check that you've entered all six digits correctly without any spaces, dashes, or extra characters.
Even though your EFIN shows as active on the IRS website, the software validation is specifically looking for the proper format. Make sure there are no leading zeros missing or any typos in your entry.
If you've verified the format is correct and you're still experiencing this issue, please sign in to your account and select the Support tab. From there, you can send a message to our support team so they can look into your specific situation and help resolve this for you.1 -
I am having the same issue. The software is the problem. NOT my information and I guess it is the same with you all. This needs to be fixed ASAP. I like this software and it is very cost efficient but with this issue persisting, I will not be able to move forward with using it for this tax season.
And YES, my PTIN & EFIN are 100% correct and there are no issues with that.
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Hello Hector,
We use an automated IRS system to verify EFINs for paid preparers. If you are having trouble, please sign in to the account and use the Support menu to send a message to support so someone can take a look at the issue.
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