Publication 1345, Handbook for Authorized IRS e-file Providers

Publication 1345 (Rev. 2-2019) Catalog Number 64382J Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service www.irs.gov

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1 - Stay Informed
What's New in Publication 1345?

3

Where to Get Additional Information?

3

Chapter 2 - Must Read

5

Publications for Individual Income Tax Returns

5

Safeguarding IRS e-file

5

Returns Filed Using IRS e-file

7

Federal/State e-file

8

Chapter 3 - Electronic Return Origination

10

Obtaining, Handling and Processing Return Information from Taxpayers

10

Refund Returns

12

Payment Options for Taxpayers

14

Signing an Electronic Tax Return

17

Electronic Signature Guidance for Forms 8878 and 8879

18

Submitting the Electronic Return to the IRS

21

ERO Duties After Submitting the Return to the IRS

23

Other EROs

26

Chapter 4 - Transmission

28

Reporting of Potential Identity Theft Refund Fraud Activity

28

Requirements

28

Electronic Postmark

30

Transmitting for Federal/State e-file

31

Chapter 5 - Other Authorized IRS e-file Provider Activities

32

Intermediate Service Providers

32

Software Developers

33

Chapter 6 - IRS e-file Rules and Requirements

2

3

35

Additional Requirements for Participants in Online Filing

35

Tax Refund-Related Products

35

Advertising Standards

36

Disclosure of Tax Return Information

36

Penalty Information for Authorized IRS e-file Providers (Updated 08/20/2015)

36

Notice - Paperwork Reduction Act

38

IRS e-file Glossary

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Chapter 1 - Stay Informed
What's New in Publication 1345?
This edition of Publication 1345, Handbook for Authorized IRS e-file Providers of Individual Income Tax
Returns replaces the previous edition revised April 2018. This publication continues to address only the
rules and requirements for participation in IRS e-file by Authorized IRS e-file Providers (Providers) filing
individual income tax returns and related forms and schedules.
The IRS has seen a steep upswing in the number of reported thefts of taxpayer data from tax practitioner
offices. This edition of Publication 1345 includes additional information about Providers’ duties to keep
taxpayer data safe. See Safeguarding IRS e-file.
A section was added, “Disposal of Taxpayer Information” which indicating procedures to follow to destroy
this documentation after the required retention period.
A section was added under Transmission, “Reporting of Potential Identity Theft Refund Fraud Activity”
that requires providers that transmit more than 2,000 returns to provide certain information regarding
fraud schemes to the IRS.

Where to Get Additional Information?
The IRS offers several ways to find out what Providers need to know. Below are the best sources of
information for frequently asked questions.

Where can I find the most current information about IRS e-file?
Visit "Tax Pros."

How does the IRS keep Authorized IRS e-file Providers (Providers) informed of
operational issues?
The IRS posts all important operations information at IRS.gov.
The IRS also notifies Providers of important information via "QuickAlerts" e-file Messaging System and
various other subscription services.
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QuickAlerts - Provides first-hand knowledge of processing delays the moment they happen by e-mail.
IRS Newswire - Provides news releases and other documents via e-mail as the IRS National Media
Relations Office in Washington, DC issues them.
IRS Tax Tips - Provides tax information via e-mail from the IRS daily during the tax-filing season and
periodically the rest of the year.
Tax Stats Dispatch Mailing List - Provides announcements via e-mail which cover the most recent tax
statistics.
e-News for Small Businesses - Provides information about IRS small business and self-employed
outreach products and programs via e-mail.
IRS GuideWire - Provides advance copies of tax guidance such as Revenue Rulings, Revenue
Procedures, Announcements and Notices by e-mail.
e-News Subscriptions - Provides the latest national news for the tax professional community, as well
as links to resources on IRS.gov and local news and events by state.

Where can I find the current filing season information I need?
The IRS updates Modernized e-file (MeF) program information prior to each filing season.

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If I get correspondence from the IRS, who can I call for more information?
All letters from the IRS have a contact telephone number to reach the person best able to help you with
your questions.

Where can I find telephone numbers and addresses for other services provided
by the IRS?
Providers may find addresses and telephone numbers at Help & Resources.

What information should I give taxpayers so they can inquire about the status of
their individual income tax refunds?
Taxpayers should be advised to check the status of their individual income tax refunds using Where’s My
Refund?

Where can I get information about electronic payment options?
Taxpayers can find information about electronic payment options at the Electronic Payment Options
Home Page

How Do I Report Suspected Tax Fraud Activity?
If you suspect or know of an individual or company that is not complying with the tax laws, see "How Do
You Report Suspected Tax Fraud Activity?"

My software doesn’t work, what should I do?
The IRS does not develop or sell tax preparation or electronic return data transmission software. If
problems exist, Providers should contact the vendor who sold them the software or the technical support
operation that comes with the software package.

Where can I get information about the IRS Nationwide Tax Forums?
This information can be found at IRS Nationwide Tax Forum Information.

Where can I get more information about filing both federal and state individual
income tax returns?
Additional information is available at Welcome to TIGERS.
Often, the Provider offering comprehensive one-stop tax service is the most successful. If the Provider is
not participating in Federal/State e-file, it is missing a business opportunity to offer its clients and
customers the benefits and convenience of filing both federal and state tax returns electronically.
See Federal/State e-file.

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Chapter 2 - Must Read
Publications for Individual Income Tax Returns
Publication 1345, Handbook for Authorized IRS e-file Providers of Individual Income Tax Returns,
provides rules and requirements for participation in IRS e-file of individual income tax returns and related
forms and schedules. Violating a provision of this publication may subject the Authorized IRS e-file
Provider (Provider) to sanctions. Providers should familiarize themselves with the Revenue Procedure
2007-40, 2007-26 I.R.B. 1488 (or the latest update) and Publication 3112, IRS e-file Application and
Participation, to ensure compliance with requirements for participation in IRS e-file. The IRS revises
Publication 1345 periodically. The most current information is available in this document.
Publication 4164, Modernized e-File (MeF) Guide for Software Developers and Transmitters. This
publication outlines the communication procedures, transmission formats, business rules and validation
procedures for returns e-filed through the Modernized e-File (MeF) system.
Publication 4557, Safeguarding Taxpayer Data, A Guide for Your Business. This publication provides
helpful information on safeguarding taxpayer data including how to create a data security plan.

Safeguarding IRS e-file
Safeguarding of IRS e-file from fraud and abuse is the shared responsibility of the IRS and Authorized
IRS e-file Providers. Providers must be diligent in recognizing and preventing fraud and abuse in IRS efile. Neither the IRS nor Providers benefit when fraud or allegations of abuse tarnish the integrity and
reputation of IRS e-file. Providers must report fraud and abuse to the IRS as indicated in the " Where To
Get Additional Information" section. Providers must also cooperate with IRS investigations by making
available to the IRS, upon request, information and documents related to returns with potential fraud or
abuse.
Safeguarding taxpayer data is a top priority for the IRS. It is the legal responsibility of government,
businesses, organizations, and individuals that receive, maintain, share, transmit or store taxpayers’
personal information. Taxpayer data is defined as any information that is obtained or used in the
preparation of a tax return (e.g., income statements, notes taken in a meeting, or recorded
conversations). Putting safeguards in place to protect taxpayer information helps prevent fraud and
identity theft and enhances customer confidence and trust.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also works to protect taxpayer data. Providers subject to the
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act must follow the FTC’s Financial Privacy and Safeguard Rules. The Safeguards
Rule requires the protection of the security, confidentiality and integrity of customer information by
implementing and maintaining a comprehensive information security program. The program must include
administrative, technical, and physical safeguards appropriate to the business’s size, the nature and
scope of its activities, and the sensitivity of the customer information at issue.
All persons and entities who receive taxpayers’ personal information can use Publication 4557,
Safeguarding Taxpayer Data, A Guide for Your Business, to help determine their data privacy and
security needs and implement safeguards to protect them. Pub. 4557 includes information about security
standards and best practice guidelines to safeguard consumer information such as personal tax data,
with links to several resources including National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
publications. Failing to take necessary steps to implement or correct your security program may result in
sanctions from the FTC. Failures that lead to an unauthorized disclosure may subject you to penalties
under sections 7216 and/or 6713 of the Internal Revenue Code (I.R.C.).

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Providers appoint an individual as a Responsible Official who is responsible for ensuring the firm meets
IRS e-file rules and requirements. Providers with problems involving fraud and abuse may be suspended
or expelled from participation in IRS e-file, be assessed civil and preparer penalties or be subject to legal
action.

IRS e-file Security, Privacy and Business Standards
The IRS has mandated six (6) security, privacy, and business standards to supplement the GrammLeach-Bliley Act to better serve taxpayers and protect their information collected, processed and stored
by Online Providers of individual income tax returns.
Individual income tax returns generally refer to the 1040 family of returns. Refer to the IRS Publication
3112, IRS e-file Application and Participation, for definition of Online Provider.
The security and privacy objectives of these standards are: setting minimum encryption standards for
transmission of taxpayer information over the internet and authentication of Web site owner/operator’s
identity beyond that offered by standard version SSL certificates; periodic external vulnerability scan of
the taxpayer data environment; protection against bulk-filing of fraudulent income tax returns; and the
ability to timely isolate and investigate potentially compromised taxpayer information.
These standards also address certain business and customer service objectives such as instant payment
options access to Web site owner/operator’s contact information, and Online Provider’s written
commitment to maintaining physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards of taxpayer information that
comply with applicable law and federal standards.
1. Extended Validation SSL Certificate
Online Providers of individual income tax returns shall possess a valid and current Extended
Validation Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificate using SSL 3.0 / TLS 1.0 or later and minimum 1024bit RSA / 128-bit AES.
2. External Vulnerability Scan
Online Providers of individual income tax returns shall contract with an independent third-party vendor
to run weekly external network vulnerability scans of all their “system components” in accordance with
the applicable requirements of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCIDSS).
All scans shall be performed by a scanning vendor certified by the Payment Card Industry Security
Standards Council and listed on their current list of Approved Scanning Vendors (ASV). In addition,
Online Providers of individual income tax returns whose systems are hosted shall ensure that their
host complies with all applicable requirements of the PCIDSS.
For the purposes of this standard, “system components” is defined as any network component,
server, or application that is included in or connected to the taxpayer data environment. The taxpayer
data environment is that part of the network that possesses taxpayer data or sensitive authentication
data.
If scan reports reveal vulnerabilities, action shall be taken to address the vulnerabilities in line with the
scan report’s recommendations. Retain weekly scan reports for at least one year. The ASV and the
host (if present) shall be in the United States.
3. Information Privacy and Safeguard Policies
This standard applies to Authorized IRS e-file Providers participating in Online Filing of individual
income tax returns that own or operate a Web site through which taxpayer information is collected,

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transmitted, processed or stored. These Providers shall have a written information privacy and
safeguard policy consistent with the applicable government and industry guidelines and including the
following statement: "we maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with
applicable law and federal standards."
In addition, Providers’ compliance with these policies shall be certified by a privacy seal vendor
acceptable to the IRS.
4. Web site Challenge-Response Test
This standard applies to Providers participating in Online Filing of individual income tax returns that
own or operate a Web site through which taxpayer information is collected, transmitted, processed or
stored. These Providers shall implement an effective challenge-response protocol (e.g., CAPTCHA)
to protect their Web site against malicious bots. Taxpayer information shall not be collected,
transmitted, processed or stored unless the user successfully completes this challenge-response test.
5. Public Domain Name Registration
This standard applies to Online Providers of individual income tax returns that own or operate a Web
site through which taxpayer information is collected, transmitted, processed or stored. These Online
Providers shall have their Web site’s domain name registered with a domain name registrar that is in
the United States and accredited by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers
(ICANN). The domain name shall be locked and not be private.
6. Reporting of Security Incidents
Online Providers of individual income tax returns shall report security incidents to the IRS as soon as
possible but not later than the next business day after confirmation of the incident. For the purposes
of this standard, an event that can result in an unauthorized disclosure, misuse, modification, or
destruction of taxpayer information shall be considered a reportable security incident. See instructions
for submitting incident reports.
In addition, if the Online Provider’s Web site is the proximate cause of the incident, the Online
Provider shall cease collecting taxpayer information via their Web site immediately upon detection of
the incident and until the underlying causes of the incident are successfully resolved.

Returns Filed Using IRS e-file
A return filed using IRS e-file may be a composite of electronically transmitted data and certain paper
documents or be completely paperless. The paper portion of a composite return may consist of Form
8453, U.S. Individual Income Tax Transmittal for an IRS e-file Return, and other paper documents that
cannot be electronically transmitted attached to the form and mailed to the IRS (See Submitting the
Electronic Return to the IRS).
Filing individual income tax returns using IRS e-file is limited to tax returns with prescribed due dates in
the current year and two previous years. A taxpayer can electronically file an individual income tax return
year-round except for a short cutover period at the end of the calendar year.
If Authorized IRS e-file Providers (Providers) submit state individual income tax returns as part of
Federal/State e-file, state returns become a part of the electronically transmitted data. States often
require the submission of paper documents to complete the return, but they are separate from paper
documents for federal returns. Providers should process state paper documents according to applicable
state rules.

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Returns Not Eligible for IRS e-file
The following individual income tax returns and related return conditions cannot be processed using IRS
e-file:
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Tax returns with fiscal year tax periods;
Amended tax returns;
Returns containing forms or schedules that cannot be processed by IRS e-file;

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Tax returns with Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN) within the range of 900-00-0000 through 99999-9999. Exception: Adoption Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ATIN) and Individual Taxpayer
Identification Numbers (ITIN) may fall within the range above. Valid ATINs contain the digits 93 in the
fourth and fifth positions. Valid ITINs contain digits within a range of 70 through 88, 90 through 92 and
94 through 99 in the fourth and fifth digits. See "Verifying Taxpayer Identification Numbers" in
"Obtaining, Handling and Processing Return Information from Taxpayers" for more information on
ATINs and TINs; and

•

The IRS cannot electronically process tax returns with rare or unusual processing conditions or that
exceed the specifications for returns allowable in IRS e-file. These conditions change from year to
year. The software should alert Providers to these conditions when they occur. If Providers transmit
electronic return data with one of these conditions to the IRS, it rejects and the taxpayer may have to
file the tax return on paper. The software package documentation or the software’s support program
should provide information that is more specific.

Submitting a Timely Filed Electronic Tax Return
All prescribed due dates for filing of returns apply to e-file returns. All Providers must ensure that returns
are promptly processed. However, a Provider that receives a return for electronic filing on or before the
due date of the return (including extensions) must ensure that it transmits the electronic portion of the
return on or before the due date. An electronically filed return is not considered filed until the IRS
acknowledges acceptance of the electronic portion of the tax return for processing. The IRS accepts
individual income tax returns electronically only if the taxpayer signs the return using a Personal
Identification Number (PIN). If Providers transmit the electronic portion of a return on or shortly before the
due date and the IRS ultimately rejects it, but the Provider and the taxpayer comply with the requirements
for timely resubmission of a correct return, the IRS considers the return timely filed. For additional
information about the filing of a return through IRS e-file, see "Submitting the Electronic Return to the
IRS.”
Transmitters may provide electronic postmarks to taxpayers for individual returns if the Transmitters
adhere to the requirements stated in "Transmission.” The receipt of an electronic postmark provides
taxpayers with confidence that they have filed their return timely. The date of the electronic postmark is
considered the date of filing when the date of electronic postmark is on or before the prescribed due date
and the return is received by the IRS after the prescribed due date for filing. All requirements for signing
the return and completing a paper declaration, if required, as well as for timely resubmitting of a rejected
timely filed return must be adhered to for the electronic postmark to be considered the date of filing.

Federal/State e-file
Federal/State e-file is a cooperative tax-filing effort between the IRS and most states, which allows
Authorized IRS e-file Providers (Providers) to file federal and state returns electronically to IRS. The state
return can be sent linked to the federal return (by including the Submission ID of the federal return in the
state submission), or it can be sent unlinked (standalone). On linked returns, the federal return must be
accepted before the linked state return can be filed. In addition to accepting federal and state individual

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income tax returns electronically in a single transmission, State Only returns are also accepted if the
return:
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was previously rejected by the state;
is originated separately from the federal return;
is a part-year residency return:
is a non-resident state return; or
is a married filing separately state return, but, the federal return was filed jointly.

The IRS provides state acknowledgement services. Participating states can send their
acknowledgements to the IRS for transmitters to pick up when they pick up their federal
acknowledgement.
Adding Federal/State e-file to a Provider’s business is very similar to the process it went through to
become a Provider. Refer to Publication 3112, IRS e-file Application and Participation, for further details.
Also, the Provider should contact the state coordinators for the state programs in which it participates for
further explanation of state rules and requirements.

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Chapter 3 - Electronic Return Origination
Obtaining, Handling and Processing Return Information from
Taxpayers
An Electronic Return Originator (ERO) originates the electronic submission of returns it either prepares or
collects from taxpayers who want to e-file their returns. An ERO originates the electronic submission of a
return after the taxpayer authorizes the filing of the return via IRS e-file. The ERO must have either
prepared the return or collected it from a taxpayer. An ERO originates the electronic submission by:
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Electronically sending the return to a Transmitter that transmits the return to the IRS;
Directly transmitting the return to the IRS; or,
Providing a return to an Intermediate Service Provider for processing prior to transmission to the
IRS.
The ERO must always identify the paid tax return preparer (if any) in the appropriate field of the electronic
record of returns it originates. The ERO must enter the paid preparer’s identifying information (name,
address, Employer Identification Number (EIN), when applicable, and Preparer Tax Identification Number
(PTIN)). EROs may either transmit returns directly to the IRS or arrange with another Authorized IRS e‑
file Provider (Provider) to transmit the electronic return to the IRS.
A Provider, including an ERO, may disclose tax return information to other Providers relating to e-filing a
tax return under Treas. Reg. §301.7216-2(d)(1) without obtaining the taxpayer’s consent. For example, an
ERO may pass on return information to an Intermediate Service Provider or a Transmitter for the purpose
of having an electronic return formatted or transmitted to the IRS.
An ERO that chooses to originate returns that it has not prepared, but only collected, becomes a tax
return preparer of the returns when, as a result of entering the data, it discovers errors that require
substantive changes and then makes the changes. A non-substantive change is a correction limited to a
transposition error, misplaced entry, spelling error or arithmetic correction. The IRS considers all other
changes substantive, and the ERO becomes a tax return preparer. As such, the ERO may be required to
sign the tax return as a tax return preparer.

Safeguarding IRS e-file From Fraud and Abuse
Safeguarding taxpayers and IRS e-file from identity-theft refund fraud requires that providers be diligent in
detecting and preventing identity-theft fraud patterns and schemes. Early detection of these patterns and
schemes is critical to stopping them and their adverse impacts, and to protecting taxpayers and IRS e-file.
While all Providers must be on the lookout for fraud and abuse in IRS e-file, EROs must be particularly
diligent while acting in their capacity as the first contact with taxpayers filing a return. An ERO must be
diligent in recognizing fraud and abuse, reporting it to the IRS and preventing it when possible. Providers
must cooperate with IRS investigations by making available to the IRS, upon request, information and
documents related to returns with potential fraud or abuse. EROs can find additional information in the
article Reporting Fraud and Abuse Within the IRS e-file Program.
Indicators of abusive or fraudulent returns may be unsatisfactory responses to filing status questions,
multiple returns with the same address, and missing or incomplete Schedules A and C income and
expense documentation. A "fraudulent return" is a return in which the individual is attempting to file using
someone else’s name or SSN on the return or the taxpayer is presenting documents or information that
have no basis in fact. A potentially abusive return is a return that the taxpayer is required to file but
contains inaccurate information that may lead to an understatement of a liability or the overstatement of a
credit resulting in a refund to which the taxpayer may not be entitled.

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An ERO that is also a tax return preparer should exercise due diligence in the preparation of returns
involving the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), as it is a popular target for fraud and abuse. Section
6695(g) of the Internal Revenue Code requires paid preparers to exercise due diligence in the preparation
of returns claiming the head of household filing status or certain credits including the EITC. Paid
preparers must complete all required worksheets and meet all record keeping requirements.

Verifying Taxpayer Identity and Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TINs)
To safeguard IRS e-file from fraud and abuse, an ERO should confirm identities and SSNs, Adopted
Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ATINs) and Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) of
taxpayers, spouses and dependents listed on returns prepared by its firm. To prevent filing returns with
stolen identities, an ERO should ask taxpayers not known to them to provide two forms of identification
(picture IDs are preferable) that include the taxpayer’s name and current or recent address. Also, seeing
Social Security cards, ITIN letters and other documents for taxpayers, spouses and dependents avoids
including incorrect TINs on returns. Providers should take care to ensure that they transcribe all TINs
correctly.
The TIN entered in the Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, in the electronic return record must be
identical to the TIN on the version provided by the taxpayer. The TIN on the Form W‑2 should be
identical to the TIN on the electronic return unless otherwise allowed by the IRS. The IRS requires
taxpayers filing tax returns using an ITIN to include the TIN, usually a SSN, shown on Form W-2 from the
employer in the electronic record of the Form W-2. This may create an identification number (ITIN/SSN)
mismatch as taxpayers must use their correct ITIN as their identifying number in the individual income tax
return. The IRS e-file system can accept returns with this identification number mismatch. EROs should
enter the TIN/SSN in the electronic record of the Form W-2 provided to them by taxpayers. Software must
require the manual key entry of the TIN as it appears on Form W-2 reporting wages for taxpayers with
ITINs. EROs should ascertain that the software they use does not auto-populate the ITIN in the Form-W-2
and if necessary, replace the ITIN with the SSN on the Form W-2 the taxpayer provided.
Incorrect TINs, using the same TIN on more than one return or associating the wrong name with a TIN
are some of the most common causes of rejected returns (see "Acknowledgements of Transmitted Return
Data" in "ERO Duties After Submitting the Return to the IRS").
Additionally, Name Control and TINs identify taxpayers, spouses and dependents. A Name Control is the
first four significant letters of an individual taxpayer’s last name or a business name as recorded by the
Social Security Administration (SSA) or the IRS. Having the wrong Name Control in the electronic return
record for a taxpayer’s TIN contributes to a large portion of TIN related rejects. The most common
example for a return rejecting due to a mismatch between a taxpayer’s TIN and Name Control involves
newly married taxpayers. Typically, the taxpayer may file using a correct SSN along with the name used
in the marriage, but the taxpayer has failed to update the records with the SSA to reflect a name change.
To minimize TIN related rejects, it is important to verify taxpayer TINs and Name Control information prior
to submitting electronic return data to the IRS.

Be Aware of Non-Standard Information Documents
The IRS has identified questionable Forms W-2 as a key indicator of potentially abusive and fraudulent
returns (see Safeguarding IRS e-file from Fraud and Abuse above). Be on the lookout for suspicious or
altered Forms W-2, W-2G, 1099-R and forged or fabricated documents. EROs must always enter the
non-standard form code in the electronic record of individual income tax returns for Forms W-2, W-2G or
1099-R that are altered, handwritten or typed. An alteration includes any pen-and-ink change. Providers
must never alter the information after the taxpayer has given the forms to them.

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Providers should report questionable Forms W-2 if they observe or become aware of them. See
"Reporting Fraud and Abuse Within the IRS e-file Program.”

Be Careful with Addresses
Addresses on Forms W-2, W-2G or 1099-R; Schedule C or C-EZ; or on other tax forms supplied by the
taxpayer that differ from the taxpayer’s current address must be input into the electronic record of the
return. Providers must input addresses that differ from the taxpayer’s current address even if the
addresses are old or if the taxpayer has moved. EROs should inform taxpayers that, when the return is
processed, the IRS uses the address on the first page of the return to update the taxpayer’s address of
record. The IRS uses a taxpayer’s address of record for various notices that it is required to send to a
taxpayer’s "last known address" under the Internal Revenue Code and for refunds of overpayments of tax
(unless otherwise specifically directed by taxpayers, such as by Direct Deposit).
Providers must never put their address in fields reserved for taxpayers’ addresses in the electronic return
record or on Form 8453, U.S. Individual Income Tax Transmittal for an IRS e-file Return. The only
exceptions are if the Provider is the taxpayer or the power of attorney for the taxpayer for the tax return.

Avoiding Refund Delays
EROs should advise taxpayers that they can avoid refund delays by having all their taxes and obligations
paid, providing current and correct information to the ERO, ensuring that all bank account information is
up-to-date, ensuring that their Social Security Administration records are current and carefully checking
their tax return information before signing the return.
EROs can do many things for clients and customers to avoid rejects and refund delays. Here are some
suggestions:
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Insist on documentation of social security and other identification numbers and associated
names for all taxpayers and dependents;
Exercise care in the entry of tax return data into tax return preparation software and carefully
check the tax return information before signing the tax return;
Confirm that any ITINs reported on the return haven’t expired due to non-use or under the
announced IRS schedule;
Don't submit returns claiming dubious items on tax returns or present altered or suspicious
documents;
Ask taxpayers if there were problems with last year’s refund; if so, see if the conditions that
caused the problems have been corrected or can be avoided this year;
Keep track of client issues that result in refund delays and analyze for common problems;
counsel taxpayers on ways to address these problems.

Refund Returns
When taxpayers are entitled to refunds, Authorized IRS e-file Providers (Providers) should inform them
that they have several options. An individual income tax refund may be applied to next year’s estimated
tax; received as a Direct Deposit or paper check; or be split so that a portion is applied to next year’s
estimated tax and the rest received as a Direct Deposit or paper check.
Providers must not direct the payment (or accept payment) of any monies issued to a taxpayer client by
the government in respect of a Federal tax liability to the Provider or any firm or entity with which the
Provider is associated. The IRS may sanction Providers and individuals who direct or accept such
payment.

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Direct Deposit of Refunds
Taxpayers often elect the Direct Deposit option because it is the fastest way of receiving refunds.
Providers must accept any Direct Deposit election to qualified accounts in the taxpayer’s name at any
eligible financial institution designated by the taxpayer. Qualified accounts include savings, checking,
share draft or consumer asset accounts (for example, IRA or money market accounts). Taxpayers should
not request a deposit of their refund to an account that is not in their own name (such as their tax return
preparer’s own account). The taxpayer may not designate refunds for Direct Deposit to credit card
accounts. Qualified accounts are accounts held by financial institutions within the United States and
established primarily for personal, family or household purposes. Qualifying institutions may be national
banks, state banks (including the District of Columbia and political sub-divisions of the 50 states), savings
and loan associations, mutual savings banks and credit unions.
By completing Form 8888, Direct Deposit of Refund to More Than One Account, the taxpayer may split
refunds between up to three qualified accounts. A qualified account can be a checking, savings or other
account such as an individual retirement arrangement (IRA), health savings account (HSA), Archer MSA,
Coverdell education savings account (ESA) or TreasuryDirect online account. The taxpayer may also buy
up to $5,000 in U. S. Series I Bonds. For example, a taxpayer expecting a refund of $400 may choose to
deposit $150 into a checking account, $150 into a savings account, and $100 into an IRA account.
Taxpayers may choose the refund splitting option regardless of which Form 1040 series tax form they file.
Providers should caution taxpayers that some financial institutions do not permit the deposit of tax
refunds into an account opened in someone else’s name, the deposit of joint individual income tax
refunds into individual accounts, or the deposit of tax refunds into check or share draft accounts that are
"payable through" another institution. Taxpayers should verify their financial institution's Direct Deposit
policy before they elect the Direct Deposit option. The IRS is not responsible if the financial institution
refuses Direct Deposit for this reason.
Taxpayers who choose Direct Deposit must provide Providers with account numbers and routing transit
numbers for qualified accounts. The IRS tax return instructions show how to find and identify these
numbers. The taxpayer can best obtain this information from official financial institution records, account
cards, checks or share drafts that contain the taxpayer’s name and address. The sole exception involves
accounts specifically created to receive refunds that repay refund products offered by financial
institutions. In those cases, Providers may supply the identifying account data.
To combat fraud and identity theft, the IRS limits the number of refunds electronically deposited into a
single financial account or pre-paid debit card to three. The fourth and subsequent refunds automatically
will convert to a paper refund check and be mailed to the taxpayer.
Providers with repeat customers or clients should check to see if taxpayers have new accounts. Some
software stores prior year’s information and reuses it unless it is changed. If account information is not
current, taxpayers do not receive Direct Deposit of their refunds.
Providers must advise taxpayers that they cannot rescind a Direct Deposit election and they cannot make
changes to routing transit numbers of financial institutions or to their account numbers after the IRS has
accepted the return. Providers must not alter the Direct Deposit information in the electronic record after
taxpayers have signed the tax return.

Providers must never charge a separate fee for Direct Deposit.
Refunds that are not direct deposited because of institutional refusal, erroneous account or routing transit
numbers, closed accounts, bank mergers or any other reason are issued as paper checks, resulting in
refund delays of up to ten weeks. While the IRS ordinarily processes a request for Direct Deposit, it

13

reserves the right to issue a paper check and does not guarantee a specific date for deposit of the refund
into the taxpayer’s account.
Treasury’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service issues federal income tax refunds. Neither the IRS nor Fiscal
Service is responsible for the misapplication of a Direct Deposit that results from error, negligence or
malfeasance on the part of the taxpayer, the Provider, financial institution or any of their agents.

Payment Options for Taxpayers
Taxpayers who owe additional tax must pay the taxes they owe by the original due date of the return or
be subject to interest and penalties. An extension of time to file may be filed electronically by the original
return due date, but it is an extension of time to file the return, not an extension of time to pay. Providers
should inform taxpayers of their obligations and options for paying balances due. Taxpayers have several
options when paying taxes.

Electronic Funds Withdrawal
Taxpayers can e-file and, at the same time, authorize an electronic funds withdrawal (EFW). Taxpayers
who choose this option must provide account numbers and routing transit numbers for qualified savings,
checking or share draft accounts to the Provider. The IRS tax return instructions describe how to find and
identify these numbers. Providers should encourage their clients to confirm their account numbers and
routing transit numbers with their financial institution. If a financial institution is unable to locate or match
the numbers entered in a payment record with account information they have on file for a given taxpayer,
they reject (return) the direct debit request.
Providers should caution taxpayers to ensure, before they e-file, that their financial institution allows EFW
requests from the designated account. Some credit unions do not permit direct debits from share
accounts.
Taxpayers can schedule a payment for withdrawal on a future date. Scheduled payments must be
effective on or before the return due date. For example, the Provider may transmit an individual income
tax return in March and the taxpayer can specify that the withdrawal be made on any day on or before the
return due date. The taxpayer does not have to remember to do anything later. For returns transmitted
after the due date, the payment date must be the same as the date the Provider transmitted the return.
The taxpayer must authorize EFW payments by completion of a payment record at the time the balance
due return or form is e-filed.
Taxpayers can make payments by EFW for the following:
•
•
•

Current year - Form 1040 series return;
Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return;
Form 2350, Application for Extension of Time to File U.S. Income Tax Return for Citizens and
Resident Aliens Abroad Who Expect to Qualify for Special Tax Treatment; and
• Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals. Taxpayers can make up to four estimated tax payments
at the time that they electronically file the Form 1040 series return.
Providers should be careful to ensure that all the information needed for the EFW request is included with
the return. The payment record must include the following:
•
•
•
•

14

Routing Transit Number (RTN);
Bank account number;
Type of account (checking or savings);
Requested payment date (e.g., YYYMMDD); and

•

Amount of tax payment for balance due payments sent after the due date; this amount may include
interest and penalty payment.
If taxpayers do not provide all the needed information, Providers must contact the taxpayers. If the
Provider is unsuccessful in obtaining or transmitting the EFW information, but the return is otherwise
complete, the Provider should proceed with the origination of the electronic return data to the IRS. The
Provider must inform their clients that they need to make other arrangements to pay the balance due
and/or estimated payments. See below for other payment options.

IRS Direct Pay
Taxpayers may also pay on irs.gov or with the IRS2Go app using IRS Direct Pay. With this secure
service, they can pay their individual tax bill or estimated tax payments directly from their checking or
savings account at no cost. They will receive instant confirmation after they submit their payment.
Taxpayers can make payments with IRS Direct Pay online or with the IRS2Go app for the following:
• Current and prior year Form 1040 series returns
• Installment agreements
• Form 1040 ES (estimated tax for individuals)
• Form 4868 (extension payments)
More options are available at IRS Direct Pay tax information.

Credit or Debit Card Payments
Taxpayers can make credit or debit card payments when e-filing or separately online, by phone or with
their mobile device using the IRS2Go app.

15

•

Integrated e-file and e-pay: Taxpayers can e-file and pay their balance at the same time by
debit or credit card if the tax software used includes this option. The software prompts
taxpayers to enter the necessary card information. The service provider charges taxpayer’s
convenience fees based on the amount of the tax payment and informs them of these fees
before taxpayers authorize the payments.

•

Online by Phone or Internet with a mobile device using the IRS2Go app: Taxpayers may pay
online at IRS.gov/payments, by phone or with the IRS2Go app using a major credit card
(American Express® Card, Discover® Card, MasterCard® or Visa® card). This service is
available through credit card service providers. The service provider charges a convenience
fee based on the amount of the tax payment. The software advises taxpayers of this fee
during the transaction, and they can choose to end the transaction before the payment is
completed and confirmed. The software provides a confirmation number at the end of the
transaction. EROs should inform taxpayers of this option and advise them that fees may vary
between service providers.

•

An ATM/debit card payment option is available through the service providers. Pay by phone
or internet using a Visa® consumer debit card or a MasterCard® consumer debit card. You
can also pay with an ATM/debit card with the NYCE®, PULSE® or STAR® logos. The
service provider charges a convenience fee per payment transaction.
o

Taxpayers can make payments online, by phone or with a mobile device using debit
or credit card for the following:

o

Current year Form 1040 series returns, including balance due notices;

o

Prior year Form 1040 series returns (applies to past due payments where no
Installment Agreement exists);

o

Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual
Income Tax Return

o

Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals;

o

Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax return;

o

Form 1040, Advance Payment of a determined deficiency;

o

Form 5329, Additional Taxes on Qualified Plans (Including IRAs) and Other TaxFavored Accounts;

o

Trust Fund Recovery Penalty

o

Installment Agreement payments.

Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)
Individual taxpayers, who make more than one tax payment per year, particularly installment or Form
1040 estimated payments, find EFTPS very convenient. Taxpayers can enroll in EFTPS via the Internet
at EFTPS.gov or by completing Form 9783 (EFTPS Individual Enrollment Form) and mailing it to the
EFTPS Enrollment Center. After EFTPS processes the enrollment, taxpayers receive two separate
mailings. One is a Confirmation/Update Form. The other is a letter that includes the taxpayers’ Enrollment
Trace Number, Personal Identification Number (PIN) and instructions on how to obtain an Internet
Password. Once taxpayers receive the PINs, they may begin making payments by phone. After the
taxpayers obtain their Internet Password, they may begin making payments via the Internet. With EFTPS,
taxpayers only need to enroll once to make a payment by both telephone and the Internet as the payment
methods are interchangeable. Payments can be made 24/7; however, taxpayers must submit their tax
payment instructions to EFTPS before 8:00 p.m. ET at least one calendar day prior to the tax due date.
Taxpayers can schedule individual tax payments up to 365 days in advance.

Pay with Cash
For taxpayers who are unbanked there is a cash option. Individuals wishing to take advantage of this
payment option should visit the IRS.gov payments page, select the cash option in the other ways you can
pay section and follow the instructions.

Pay by Check or Money Order
Taxpayers may pay the balance due by mailing a check accompanied by Form 1040-V, Payment
Voucher. Providers must supply Form 1040-V to taxpayers, if needed, and help them identify the correct
mailing address from the chart on the back of the form. Taxpayers do not have to mail these vouchers at
the same time the Provider transmits the electronic return. For example, the return may be transmitted in
January and the taxpayer may mail the payment and voucher at any time on or before the return due
date.

16

Installment Agreement
Taxpayers who cannot pay the amount they owe for Form 1040 series returns and owe $25,000 or less in
combined taxes, interest and penalties may use the Online Payment Agreement (OPA) application to
request an installment agreement. They can also submit Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request, to
the IRS. The Provider can transmit Form 9465 electronically (if supported by software) with the taxpayer’s
electronic return data, or it may submit it later, either electronically or on paper. If accepted, the IRS
charges a user fee for setting up the installments.

Signing an Electronic Tax Return
As with an income tax return submitted to the IRS on paper, the taxpayer and paid tax return preparer (if
applicable) must sign an electronic income tax return. Taxpayers must sign individual income tax returns
electronically. There are currently two methods for signing individual income tax returns electronically
(see Electronic Signature Methods, below).
Taxpayers must sign and date the Declaration of Taxpayer to authorize the origination of the electronic
submission of the return to the IRS prior to the transmission of the return to IRS. The Declaration of
Taxpayer includes the taxpayers' declaration under penalties of perjury that the return is true, correct and
complete, as well as the taxpayers'. Consent to Disclosure. The Consent to Disclosure authorizes the IRS
to disclose information to the taxpayers' Providers. Taxpayers authorize Intermediate Service Providers,
Transmitters and EROs to receive from the IRS an acknowledgement of receipt or reason for rejection of
the electronic return, the reason for any delay in processing the return or refund and the date of the
refund.
Taxpayers must sign a new declaration if the electronic return data on individual income tax returns is
changed after taxpayers signed the Declaration of Taxpayer and the amounts differ by more than either
$50 to "Total income" or "AGI," or $14 to "Total tax," "Federal income tax withheld," "Refund" or "Amount
you owe."

Electronic Signature Methods
There are two methods of signing individual income tax returns with an electronic signature available for
use by taxpayers. Both methods allow taxpayers to use a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to sign the
return and the Declaration of Taxpayer.
Self-Select PIN is one of these methods. The Self-Select PIN method requires taxpayers to provide their
prior year Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) amount or prior year PIN for use by the IRS to authenticate the
taxpayers. EROs should encourage taxpayers who do not have their original prior year AGI or PIN to call
IRS Tax Help at (800) 829-1040.
This method may be completely paperless if the taxpayers enter their own PINs directly into the electronic
return record using key strokes after reviewing the completed return. Taxpayers may also authorize EROs
to enter PINs on their behalf, in which case the taxpayers must review and sign a completed signature
authorization form after reviewing the return. Also see IRS e-file Signature Authorization below.
Practitioner PIN is the other method. This method does not require the taxpayer to provide their prior year
AGI amount or prior year PIN. Instead, taxpayers must always sign a completed signature authorization
form (see IRS e-file Signature Authorization below). Taxpayers who use the Practitioner PIN method must
sign the signature authorization form even if they enter their own PINs in the electronic return record
using key strokes after reviewing the completed return.
Regardless of the method of electronic signature used, taxpayers may enter their own PINs; EROs may
select and enter the taxpayers’ PINs; or the software may generate the taxpayers’ PINs; in the electronic

17

return. After reviewing the return, the taxpayers must agree by signing an IRS e-file signature
authorization containing the PIN.
The following taxpayers are ineligible to sign individual income tax returns with an electronic signature
using the Self-Select PIN:
•
•

Primary taxpayers under age sixteen who have never filed; and
Secondary taxpayers under age sixteen who did not file the prior tax year.

EROs should advise taxpayers to keep a copy of their completed tax return to assist with authentication in
the subsequent year.

IRS e-file Signature Authorization (Forms 8878 and 8879)
Anytime an ERO enters the taxpayer’s PIN on the electronic return, the ERO must, prior to submission of
the return, complete an IRS e-file Signature Authorization form which must be signed by the taxpayer.
Form 8879, IRS e-file Signature Authorization, authorizes an ERO to enter the taxpayers’ PINs on
individual income tax returns and Form 8878, IRS e-file Authorization for Form 4868 and Form 2350,
authorizes an ERO to enter the taxpayers’ PINs on Form 1040 extension forms. The ERO must keep
Forms 8878 and 8879 for three years from the return due date or the IRS received date, whichever is
later. EROs must not send Forms 8878 and 8879 to the IRS unless the IRS requests they do so. Note:
Form 8878 is only required for Forms 4868 when taxpayers are authorizing an electronic funds
withdrawal and want an ERO to enter their PINs.
The ERO may enter the taxpayers’ PINs in the electronic return record before the taxpayers sign Form
8878 or 8879, but the taxpayers must sign and date the appropriate form before the ERO originates the
electronic submission of the return. The taxpayer must sign and date the Form 8878 or Form 8879 after
reviewing the return and ensuring the tax return information on the form matches the information on the
return. The taxpayer may return the completed Form 8878 or Form 8879 to the ERO by hand delivery,
U.S. mail, private delivery service, fax, email or an Internet website.
Only taxpayers who provide a completed tax return to an ERO for electronic filing may sign the IRS e-file
Signature Authorization without reviewing the return originated by the ERO. The ERO must enter the line
items from the paper return on the applicable Form 8878 or Form 8879 prior to the taxpayers signing and
dating the form. The ERO may use these pre-signed authorizations as authority to input the taxpayer’s
PIN only if the information on the electronic version of the tax return agrees with the entries from the
paper return.

Electronic Signature Guidance for Forms 8878 and 8879
Taxpayers have the option of using electronic signatures for Forms 8878 and 8879 if the software
provides the electronic signature capability. If taxpayers use an electronic signature, the software and the
Electronic Return Originator (ERO) must meet certain requirements for verifying the taxpayer’s identity.
Electronic signatures appear in many forms and may be created by many different technologies. No
specific technology is required. Examples of currently acceptable electronic signature methods include:
•
•
•
•

18

A handwritten signature input onto an electronic signature pad.
A handwritten signature, mark or command input on a display screen by means of a stylus device.
A digitized image of a handwritten signature that is attached to an electronic record.
A typed name (e.g., typed at the end of an electronic record or typed into a signature block on a
website form by a signer).

•
•
•

A shared secret (e.g., a secret code, password or PIN) used by a person to sign the electronic
record.
A digital signature.
A mark captured as a scalable graphic.

The software must record the following data:
• Digital image of the signed form.
• Date and time of the signature.
• Taxpayer’s computer IP address (Remote transaction only).
• Taxpayer’s login identification - user name (Remote transaction only).
• Identity verification: taxpayer’s knowledge-based authentication passed results and for in person
transactions, confirmation that government picture identification has been verified.
• Method used to sign the record, (e.g., typed name); or a system log; or other audit trail that reflects
the completion of the electronic signature process by the signer.
Note: The ERO must provide this information upon request.

Identity Verification Requirements
The electronic signing process must be associated with a person, and accordingly, ensuring the validity of
any electronically signed record begins with identification and authentication of the taxpayer. The
electronic signature process must be able to generate evidence of the person the electronic form of
signature belongs to, as well as generate evidence that the identified person is actually associated with
the electronic record.
If there is more than one taxpayer for the electronic record, the electronic signature process must be
designed to separately identify and authenticate each taxpayer.
The identity verification requirements must be in accordance with National Institute of Standards and
Technology, Special Publication 800-63, Electronic Authentication Guideline, Level 2 assurance level and
knowledge-based authentication or higher assurance level.

Electronic Signature Via In-Person Transaction
An in-person transaction for electronic signature is one in which the taxpayer is electronically signing the
form and the ERO is physically present with the taxpayer. The ERO must validate the taxpayer’s identity
for in-person transactions unless there is a multi-year business relationship. A multi-year business
relationship is one in which the ERO has originated tax returns for the taxpayer for a prior tax year and
has identified the taxpayer using the identity verification process described below.
For in-person transactions, the ERO must inspect a valid government picture identification; compare
picture to applicant; and record the name, social security number, address and date of birth. Examples of
government picture identification (ID) include a driver’s license, employer ID, school ID, state ID, military
ID, national ID, voter ID, visa or passport.
Verify that the name, social security number, address, date of birth and other personal information on
record are consistent with the information provided through record checks with the applicable agency or
institution or through credit bureaus or similar databases. For in-person transactions, the identity
verification through a record check is optional.

19

Electronic Signature Via Remote Transaction
A remote transaction for electronic signature is one in which the taxpayer is electronically signing the form
and the ERO is not physically present with the taxpayer. For remote transactions, the ERO must record
the name, social security number, address and date of birth.
Verify that the name, social security number, address, date of birth and other personal information on
record are consistent with the information provided through record checks with the applicable agency or
institution or through credit bureaus or similar databases.
Note: An electronic signature via remote transaction does not include handwritten signatures on Forms
8878 or 8879 sent to the ERO by hand delivery, U.S. mail, private delivery service, fax, email or an
Internet website.

Identity Verification
The software used for the electronic signature process may use credit records, also known as credit
reports, to verify the taxpayer’s identity. Identity verification may consist of a record check with a credit
reporting company. A credit reporting company uses information from the taxpayer's credit report to
generate knowledge-based authentication questions. This action may create an entry on the credit report
called a “soft inquiry.”
The software used for the electronic signature process should include an advisory to taxpayers stating the
use of third party data for identity verification; how third party data is used for identity verification; if a “soft
inquiry” will be generated and the effect, if any, on the credit report, credit scores and reporting to lenders;
and how the inquiry may appear on the credit report.
The software should also include an advisory to taxpayers stating the IRS will not be given view of or
access to a taxpayer’s credit report, nor will the credit reporting company or other identity verification third
party have access to the taxpayer’s tax information.
The process of identity verification through the use of a record check with a credit reporting company or
other identity verification third party for purposes of electronically signing does not require additional
consents from the taxpayer beyond those obtained for preparing and filing their taxes; nor does it violate
the provisions of Internal Revenue Code section 7216 or its regulations.

Identity Verification Failure
The software will enable the identity verification using knowledge-based authentication questions when
an ERO uses tax preparation software to interact with the taxpayer for purposes of obtaining an electronic
signature on Form 8878 or 8879. If the taxpayer fails the knowledge-based authentication questions after
three attempts, then the ERO must obtain a handwritten signature on Form 8878 or 8879.

Electronic Records
Electronic signatures must be linked to their respective electronic records to ensure that the signatures
cannot be excised, copied or otherwise transferred to falsify an electronic record.
After the electronic record has been signed, it must be tamper-proof. Therefore, techniques must be
employed that lock a document and prevent it from being modified. Storage systems must have secure
access control to ensure that the electronic records cannot be modified.
Additionally, storage systems must also contain a retrieval system that includes an indexing system, and
the ability to reproduce legible and readable hardcopies of electronically stored records.

20

Electronic Signatures for EROs
EROs must also sign with a PIN. EROs should use the same PINs for the entire tax year. The ERO may
manually input or the software can generate the PIN in the electronic record in the location designated for
the ERO Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN)/PIN. The ERO is attesting to the ERO Declaration
by entering a PIN in the ERO EFIN/PIN field. For returns prepared by the ERO firm, return preparers are
declaring under the penalties of perjury that they reviewed the returns and they are true, correct and
complete.
EROs may authorize members of their firms or designated employees to sign for them, but the EROs are
still responsible for all the electronic returns originated by their firms.
For returns prepared by other than the ERO firm that originates the electronic submission, the ERO
attests that the return preparer signed the copy of the return and that the electronic return contains tax
information identical to that contained in the paper return.
The ERO must enter the return preparer’s identifying information (name, address, EIN, and PTIN) in the
electronic return. EROs may authorize members of their firms or designated employees to sign for them,
but the EROs are still responsible for all the electronic returns originated by their firms.
EROs may sign Form 8878 and Form 8879 by rubber stamp, mechanical device (such as signature pen)
or computer software program as described in Notice 2007-79.
The signature must include either a facsimile of the individual ERO’s signature or of the ERO’s printed
name. EROs using one of these alternative means are personally responsible for affixing their signatures
to returns or requests for extension. This does not alter the requirement that taxpayers must sign Form
8878 and Form 8879 by a handwritten or electronic signature.
The ERO must retain Forms 8878 and 8879 for three years from the return due date or the IRS received
date, whichever is later. EROs must not send Forms 8878 and 8879 to the IRS unless the IRS requests
they do so.

Submitting the Electronic Return to the IRS
Once signed, an ERO must originate the electronic submission of a return as soon as possible. EROs
must not electronically file individual income tax returns prior to receiving Forms W-2, W-2G or 1099-R. If
the taxpayer is unable to secure and provide a correct Form W-2, W-2G, or 1099-R, Distributions from
Pensions, Annuities, Retirement or Profit-Sharing Plans, IRAs, Insurance Contracts, etc., the ERO may
electronically file the return after the taxpayer completes Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and
Tax Statement or 1099-R, Distributions from Pensions, Annuities, Retirement or Profit-Sharing Plans,
IRAs, Insurance Contracts, etc., in accordance with the use of that form. If Form 4852 is used, the nonstandard W-2 indicator must be included in the record, and the ERO must maintain Form 4852 in the
same manner required for Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099-R.
An ERO must ensure that stockpiling of returns does not occur at its offices. Stockpiling is:
•

collecting returns from taxpayers or from another Authorized IRS e-file Provider prior to official
acceptance in IRS e-file; or
• after official acceptance to participate in IRS e-file, stockpiling refers to waiting more than three
calendar days to submit the return to the IRS once the ERO has all necessary information for
origination.
The IRS does not consider current filing year returns held prior to the date it accepts transmission of
electronic returns stockpiled. EROs must advise taxpayers that it cannot transmit returns to the IRS until
the date the IRS accepts transmission of electronic returns. Although holding late returns during periods

21

when IRS electronic filing is not available is not stockpiling, Providers should mail the returns to the IRS
mailing addresses in the form’s instructions.

Internet Protocol Information
Internet Protocol (IP) information of the computer the ERO uses to prepare the return (or originate the
electronic submission of collected returns) must be included in all individual income tax returns. The
required Internet Protocol information includes:
• Public/routable IP address
• IP date
• IP time
• IP time zone
With many different ERO e-filing business models, the computer used to prepare (or originate the
electronic submission of collected returns) may not have a public/routable IP address. If the computer
used for preparation (or origination of the electronic submission of collected returns) is on an internal
reserved IP network, then the IP address should be the public/routable IP address of the computer used
to submit the return. If the computer used for preparation (or origination of the electronic submission of
collected returns) is used to transmit the return to the IRS, then the IP address should be the
public/routable IP address of that computer. If it is not possible to capture the public/routable IP address,
then the ERO or software may have to hard code the IP address into each return.
The IRS will reject individual income tax returns e-filed without the required IP address. Any return
received by the IRS containing a private/non-routable IP address will be flagged in the Acknowledgement
File with an “R” in the Reserved IP Address Code field of the ACK key record indicating that a reserved IP
address is present for the return.
Device ID
The IRS has implemented a Device ID field for electronic return filers and preparers. The IRS will utilize
this unique identifier; in addition to key elements we already collect to improve fraud and ID theft
detection. Vendors implementing Device ID in their software should ensure that their privacy notice will
cover Device ID.

Submission of Paper Documents to the IRS
IRS e-file returns must contain all the same information as returns filed completely on paper. Forms that
have an electronic format must be submitted in the electronic format unless IRS identifies an exception
during the tax year. If a form/document can’t be submitted electronically, IRS can accept
forms/documents in PDF format. Check the software package to see if this option is offered. EROs are
responsible for ensuring that they submit to the IRS all paper documents required to complete the filing of
returns. If the documents are not submitted electronically, they may be mailed to IRS. Attach all
appropriate supporting documents that the IRS requires to the Form 8453, U.S. Individual income Tax
Transmittal for an IRS e-file Return, and send them to the IRS. Refer to page 2 of Form 8453 for the
current mailing address. Below is a list of these supporting documents:
•
•
•

22

Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes (or equivalent contemporaneous
written acknowledgement);
Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative (only for an electronic return signed
by an agent);
Form 3115, Application for Change in Accounting Method;

•

•

•
•

•
•
•

•
•

Form 3468 – Investment Credit attach a copy of the first page of NPS Form 10-168a, Historic
Preservation Certification Application (Part 2 - Description of Rehabilitation), with an indication that it
was received by the Department of the Interior or the State Historic Preservation Officer, together with
proof that the building is a certified historic structure (or that such status has been requested);
Form 4136 – Credit for Federal Tax Paid on Fuels attach the Certificate for Biodiesel and, if
applicable, Statement of Biodiesel Reseller or a certificate from the provider identifying the product as
renewable diesel and, if applicable, a statement from the reseller;
Form 5713, International Boycott Report;
Form 8283, Noncash Charitable Contributions, Section A, (if any statement or qualified appraisal is
required) or Section B, Donated Property, and any related attachments (including any qualified
appraisal or partnership Form 8283);
Form 8332, Release of Claim to Exemption for Child of Divorced or Separated Parents (or certain
pages from a post-1984 decree or agreement, see instructions);
Form 8858, Information Return of U.S. Persons With Respect to Foreign Disregarded Entities;
Form 8864, Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel Fuels Credit - attach the Certificate for Biodiesel and, if
applicable, Statement of Biodiesel Reseller or a certificate from the provider identifying the product as
renewable diesel and, if applicable, a statement from the reseller;
Form 8885, Health Coverage Tax Credit, and all required attachments; and
Form 8949, Sales and Other Dispositions of Capital Assets, (or a statement with the same
information), if you elect not to report your transactions electronically on Form 8949.

State income tax returns in the Federal/State Program often require that paper documents be prepared
and forwarded to state tax administration agencies. Be sure to follow each state’s rules when state
income tax returns are prepared.

ERO Duties After Submitting the Return to the IRS
Record Keeping and Documentation Requirements
EROs must retain the following material until the end of the calendar year at the business address from
which it originated the return or at a location that allows the ERO to readily access the material as it must
be available at the time of IRS request. An ERO may retain the required records at the business address
of the Responsible Official or at a location that allows the Responsible Official to readily access the
material during any period of time the office is closed, as it must be available at the time of IRS request
through the end of the calendar year.
•
•
•
•
•

A copy of Form 8453, U.S. Individual Income Tax Transmittal for an IRS e-file Return, and supporting
documents that are not included in the electronic records submitted to the IRS;
Copies of Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099-R;
A copy of signed IRS e-file consent to disclosure forms;
A complete copy of the electronic portion of the return that can be readily and accurately converted
into an electronic transmission that the IRS can process; and
The acknowledgement file for IRS accepted returns.

Forms 8879 and 8878 must be available to the IRS in the same manner described above for three years
from the due date of the return or the IRS received date, whichever is later. The Submission ID must be
associated with Form 8879 and 8878:

23

•
•
•

The Submission ID can be added to the Form 8879 and 8878 or
the acknowledgment containing the Submission ID can be associated with Forms 8879 and 8878.
If the acknowledgement is used to identify the Submission ID, the acknowledgement must be kept in
accordance with published retention requirements for Forms 8879 and 8878. The acknowledgement is
not required to be physically attached to Form 8879 and 8878; it can be electronically stored.

EROs may electronically image and store all paper records they are required to retain for IRS e-file. This
includes Forms 8453 and paper copies of Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099-R as well as any supporting
documents not included in the electronic record and Forms 8879 and 8878. The storage system must
satisfy the requirements of Revenue Procedure 97-22, 1997-1 C.C. 652, Retention of Books and
Records. In brief, the electronic storage system must ensure an accurate and complete transfer of the
hard copy to the electronic storage media. The ERO must be able to reproduce all records with a high
degree of legibility and readability (including the taxpayers’ signatures) when displayed on a video
terminal and when reproduced in hard copy.

Providing Information to the Taxpayer
The ERO must provide a complete copy of the return to the taxpayer. EROs may provide this copy in any
media, including electronic, that is acceptable to both the taxpayer and the ERO. A complete copy of a
taxpayer's return includes Form 8453 and other documents that the ERO cannot electronically transmit,
when applicable, as well as the electronic portion of the return. The electronic portion of the return can be
contained on a replica of an official form or on an unofficial form. However, on an unofficial form, the ERO
must reference data entries to the line numbers or descriptions on an official form. If the taxpayer
provided a completed paper return for electronic filing and the information on the electronic portion of the
return is identical to the information provided by the taxpayer, the ERO does not have to provide a
printout of the electronic portion of the return to the taxpayer. The ERO should advise the taxpayer to
retain a complete copy of the return and any supporting material. The ERO should also advise taxpayers
that, if needed, they must file an amended return as a paper return and mail it to the submission
processing center that would handle the taxpayer's paper return. Refer to the current year’s tax
instructions for addresses.

Acknowledgments of Transmitted Return Data
The IRS electronically acknowledges the receipt of all transmissions. Returns in each transmission are
either accepted or rejected for specific reasons. Accepted returns meet the processing criteria and IRS
considers them “filed” as soon as the return is signed electronically or through the receipt by the IRS of a
paper signature. Rejected returns fail to meet processing criteria and the IRS considers them not filed.
The acknowledgment identifies the source of the problem using a system of business rules and element
names (tag names). The business rules tell why the return rejected and the element names tell which
fields of the electronic return data are involved. Information regarding business rules and correcting
common errors is available on IRS.gov.
The acknowledgement record of an accepted individual income tax return contains other information that
is useful to the originator. The record confirms if the IRS accepted a PIN, if an elected EFW paid a
balance due, and if a private/non-routable IP address is present in the return. The ERO should check
acknowledgement records regularly to identify returns requiring follow up action and should take
reasonable steps to address issues identified on acknowledgement records.
At the request of the taxpayer, the ERO must provide the Submission ID and the date the IRS accepted
the electronic individual income tax return data. The ERO may use Form 9325, Acknowledgment and

24

General Information for Taxpayers Who File Returns Electronically for this purpose. If requested, the ERO
must also supply the electronic postmark if the Transmitter provided one for the return.
Rejected electronic individual income tax return data can be corrected and retransmitted without new
signatures or authorizations if changes do not differ from the amount on the original electronic return by
more than $50 to "Total income" or "AGI," or more than $14 to "Total tax," "Federal income tax withheld,"
"Refund" or "Amount you owe." The ERO must give taxpayers copies of the new electronic return data.
If the State submission is linked to an IRS submission (also referred to as a Fed/State return), the IRS will
check to see if there is an accepted IRS submission under that Submission Id. If there is not an accepted
federal return for that tax type, the IRS will deny the State submission and an acknowledgement will be
sent to the transmitter. The state has no knowledge that the state return was denied (rejected) by the IRS.
Subsequent rejection of state electronic return data by a state tax administration agency does not affect
federal electronic return data accepted by the IRS. States determine when they accept as filed state
electronic return data received from the Federal/State e-file Program. Contact the state tax administration
agency when problems or questions arise.

Resubmission of Rejected Tax Returns
If the IRS rejects the electronic portion of a taxpayer’s individual income tax return for processing, and the
ERO cannot rectify the reason for the rejection, the ERO must take reasonable steps to inform the
taxpayer of the rejection within 24 hours. When the ERO advises the taxpayer that it has not filed the
return, the ERO must provide the taxpayer with the business rule(s) accompanied by an explanation. If
the taxpayer chooses not to have the electronic portion of the return corrected and transmitted to the IRS,
or if the IRS cannot accept the return for processing, the taxpayer must file a paper return. To timely file
the return, the taxpayer must file the paper return by the later of the due date of the return or ten calendar
days after the date the IRS gives notification that it rejected the electronic portion of the return or that the
return cannot be accepted for processing. Taxpayers should include an explanation in the paper return as
to why they are filing the return after the due date.

Advising Taxpayers about Refund Inquiries
EROs should tell taxpayers how to follow up on returns and refunds by pointing out Where’s My Refund
and providing taxpayers with the IRS tax refund hotline, (800) 829-1954.
Taxpayers can start checking on the status of their return within 24 hours after the IRS received their efiled return, or four weeks after they mail a paper return. EROs should advise taxpayers that Where’s My
Refund? updates once every 24 hours, usually overnight.
To check on refunds, taxpayers need to enter the first Social Security Number shown on their tax return,
the filing status and the exact amount of the refund in whole dollars.

Refund Delays
Taxpayers often ask EROs to help them when refunds take longer than expected. The IRS may delay
refunds for several reasons, including the following:
•
•
•
•

25

Errors in Direct Deposit information (refunds then sent by check);
Financial institution refusals of Direct Deposits (refunds then sent by check) or delays in crediting the
Direct Deposit to the taxpayer’s account;
Claims of the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit require the IRS to hold the
entire refund until mid-February
Estimated tax payments differ from amount reported on tax return (for example, fourth quarter
payments not yet on file when return data is transmitted);

•
•

Bankruptcy;
Inappropriate claims for the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, or American Opportunity Tax
Credit; or
• Recertifications to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, or American Opportunity Tax
Credit.
The IRS sends a letter or notice explaining the issue(s) and how to resolve the issue(s) to the taxpayer
when it delays a refund. The letter or notice contains the contact telephone number and address for the
taxpayer to use for further assistance.
If taxpayers’ refunds are lost or misapplied, taxpayers do not receive notices or letters or there is no
information on Where’s My Refund or the Refund Hotline (see Advising Taxpayers about Refund Inquiries
above), EROs should advise taxpayers to call the IRS taxpayer assistance number.

Refund Offsets
The IRS offsets as much of a refund as is needed to pay overdue taxes owed by taxpayers and notifies
them when this occurs. The Bureau of the Fiscal Service offsets taxpayers’ refunds through the Treasury
Offset Program (TOP) to pay off past-due child support, federal agency non-tax debts such as student
loans and unemployment compensation debts, and state income tax obligations. Offsets to non-tax debts
occur after the IRS has certified the refunds to Fiscal Service for payment but before Fiscal Service
makes the Direct Deposits or issues the paper checks. Refund offsets reduce the amount of the expected
Direct Deposit or paper check but they do not delay the issuance of the remaining refund (if any) after
offset. If taxpayers owe non-tax debts they may contact the agency they owe, prior to filing their returns,
to determine if the agency submitted their debts for refund offset. Fiscal Service sends taxpayers offset
notices if it applies any part of their refund to non-tax debts. Taxpayers should contact the agencies
identified in the Fiscal Service offset notice when offsets occur if they dispute the non-tax debts or have
questions about the offsets. If taxpayers need further clarification, they may call the Treasury Offset
Program Call Center at (800) 304-3107. If a refund is in a joint name but only one spouse owed the debt,
the "injured spouse" should file Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation.

Disposal of Taxpayer Information
After complying to records retention policies standards for retaining the required records (electronic and
paper format) for the required period; taxpayer information and sensitive data files must be destroyed by
properly shredding, burning, mulching, pulping, or pulverizing beyond recognition and reconstruction.
Destroy paper using cross cut shredders which produce particles that are 1 mm x 5mm (0.04 in. x 0.2 in.)
in size (or smaller) or pulverize/ disintegrate paper materials using disintegrator devices equipped with a
3/32 in. (2.4 mm) security screen.

Other EROs
IRS Sponsored Programs
Often individuals or organizations serve as unpaid tax return preparers in IRS sponsored programs
including Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE). For IRS
sponsored programs, unless otherwise noted, all requirements of a Provider apply. A manual or electronic
quality review system is required to review each electronically filed return. The IRS may designate an
individual for this purpose.
A VITA or TCE sponsor can only accept a return for electronic filing that meets the criteria for VITA or
TCE assistance. A VITA or TCE sponsor may accept for electronic filing only the returns and
accompanying forms and schedules included in a VITA or TCE training course. A VITA or TCE sponsor

26

may collect a fee only if it directly relates to defraying the actual cost of electronically transmitting a tax
return. A VITA or TCE sponsor may also collect this fee on behalf of a third-party Transmitter that
electronically transmits a VITA or TCE return. Before a VITA or TCE sponsor may collect a fee, the
sponsor must advise the taxpayer that the fee is not for preparation of the return, and it offers the VITA or
TCE service without regard to either the electronic filing or the collection of a fee.
A VITA or TCE sponsor and the IRS may enter into an agreement that provides for the retention of copies
of tax returns and Form 8453 U.S. Individual Income Tax Transmittal for an IRS e-file Return. The VITA or
TCE sponsor, or the IRS, must retain this information. The VITA or TCE sponsor must not give this
information to a third party, including a third-party Transmitter. The IRS is responsible for ensuring that
the taxpayer sends Form 8453 to the appropriate IRS office or submission processing center. However,
the IRS may delegate to the VITA or TCE sponsor the responsibility for mailing Form 8453 to the
appropriate local office or submission processing center.
See Publication 4299, Privacy, Confidentiality and Civil Rights. It is designed to ensure Volunteers and
their partnering organizations safeguard taxpayer information and understand their responsibilities.

Employers Offering IRS e-file as an Employee Benefit
The following procedures apply to employers who choose to offer electronic filing as an employee benefit
to business owners and spouses, employees and spouses and/or dependents of business owners and
employees. These rules do not apply if an employer contracts with an ERO to originate the electronic
submission of the tax return.

27

•

An employer may offer electronic filing as an employee benefit whether the employer chooses to
transmit tax returns or contracts with a third-party to transmit the tax returns. If an employer contracts
with a third-party to transmit the tax returns, the employer may collect from participating employees a
fee that directly relates to defraying the actual cost of transmitting the electronic portion of the tax
return.

•

The employer must retain copies of tax returns, including Forms 8453 and IRS e-file Signature
Authorizations. It must not give this information to a third party, including a third-party Transmitter.

Chapter 4 - Transmission
Reporting of Potential Identity Theft Refund Fraud Activity
“Safeguarding taxpayers and IRS e-file from identity-theft refund fraud requires that providers be diligent
in detecting and preventing identity-theft fraud patterns and schemes. Early detection of these patterns
and schemes is critical to stopping them and their adverse impacts, and to protecting taxpayers and IRS
e-file. Providers who transmit more than 2,000 individual income tax returns per year are required to
perform analysis to identity potential identity-theft fraud patterns and schemes, and to provide the results
relative to any indicators of such fraud to the IRS on a weekly basis, in accordance with requirements that
will be distributed to providers.”

Requirements
In fulfilling the requirements of an Authorized IRS e-file Provider (Provider) participating in IRS e-file,
Transmitters must:
1. Transmit all electronic portions of returns to the appropriate IRS center within three calendar days of
receipt; Note: This requirement does not apply when the IRS is not accepting specific returns, forms,
or schedules until a date later than the start-up of IRS e-file due to constraints such as late legislation,
programming issues and controlled validation activities, etc. Controlled validation activities are when
the IRS provides special instructions to Transmitters relating to the submission of certain returns.
2. Retrieve the acknowledgment file within two work days of transmission;
3. Match the acknowledgment file to the original transmission file and send the acknowledgment file
containing all conditions on accepted returns, including non-receipt of Personal Identification Number
(PIN), etc., to the Electronic Return Originator (ERO) or Intermediate Service Provider within two work
days of retrieving the acknowledgment file;
4. Retain an acknowledgment file received from the IRS until the end of the calendar year in which the
electronic return was filed;
5. Immediately contact the IRS at its e-help number, 866-255-0654, for further instructions if an
acknowledgment of acceptance for processing has not been received within two work days of
transmission or if an acknowledgment for a return that was not transmitted on the designated
transmission is received;
6. Promptly correct any transmission error that causes an electronic transmission to be rejected;
7. Contact the IRS at its e-help number, 866-255-0654, for assistance if the electronic portion of the
return has been rejected after three transmission attempts;
8. Ensure the security of all transmitted data;
9. Ensure against the unauthorized use of its Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) or Electronic
Transmitter Identification Number (ETIN). A Transmitter must not transfer its EFIN or ETIN by sale,
merger, loan, gift or otherwise to another entity; and
10. Use only software that does not have an IRS assigned production password built into the software.
11. Provide the Device ID from the equipment used to prepare the return.
12. Providers who collectively transmit more than 2,000 individual income tax returns per year are
required to perform analysis to identify potential identity-theft fraud patterns and schemes. They must
provide the results relative to any indicators of such fraud to the IRS on a weekly basis, in accordance
with requirements that will be distributed to providers.

28

Additional Requirements for Transmitters Participating in Online Filing
In addition to requirements of all Transmitters in the IRS e-file Program, a Transmitter that participates in
Online Filing has some additional responsibilities.
When participating in Online Filing, the Transmitter must:
1. Ensure that it includes their assigned Online Filing EFIN, which begins with 10, 21, 32, 44 or 53, in the
appropriate field in the electronic return data;
2. Ensure that the Intermediate Service Provider's EFIN is included in the electronic return data, when
applicable;
3. Include the assigned Submission ID in the transmission of the electronic return data to the IRS;
4. Notify the taxpayer of the status of a return by sending an electronic transmission to the taxpayer or
the Intermediate Service Provider, when applicable, within two work days of retrieving the
acknowledgment file from the IRS or by mailing a written notification to the taxpayer within one work
day of retrieving the acknowledgment file;
5. Ensure that it does not transmit or accept for transmission more than five electronic returns originating
from one software package or from one e-mail address;
6. Provide the Internet Protocol (IP) information (public/routable IP Address, IP Date, IP Time and IP
Time Zone of the computer the taxpayer uses to submit the return);
7. Enter into agreements with companies to allow access to Online Filing only if companies correctly
capture the IP Address of the computer submitting the return and the date, time and time zone of the
computer receiving it;
8. Include "Online Filer" in the "Originator Type" field of the Trans Record "A".
The Transmitter must notify the taxpayer of the following if the IRS accepts the electronic portion of a
taxpayer’s return:
•
•
•

The date the transmission was accepted;
The Submission ID (SID):
The requirement to properly complete and timely submit a Form 8453, if required, with accompanying
paper documents;
• The appropriate submission processing center’s address to which Form 8453 with accompanying
paper documents, if required, must be sent;
• That the IRS must receive a Form 8453, if required, before an Online filed return is complete.
The Transmitter must notify the taxpayer of the following if the IRS rejects the electronic portion of a
taxpayer’s return:
•
•
•
•
•

29

That the IRS rejected the electronic portion of the taxpayer’s return:
The date of the rejection;
What the business rule(s) means;
What steps the taxpayer needs to take to correct the errors that caused the rejection; and
That if the taxpayer chooses not to have the electronic portion of the return corrected and transmitted
to the IRS, or, if the IRS cannot accept the electronic portion of the return for processing by the IRS,
the taxpayer must file a paper return. To timely file a paper return, the taxpayer must file it by the later
of the due date of the return or ten calendar days after the date the IRS gives notification that it has
rejected the electronic portion of the return or that it cannot accept the return for processing.
Taxpayers should include an explanation as to why they are filing the paper return after the due date.

A Transmitter that receives returns from an Intermediate Service Provider for Online Filing must adhere to
the same requirements as a Transmitter that transmits ERO returns received from Intermediate Service
Providers.

Electronic Postmark
A Transmitter may provide an electronic postmark to taxpayers that file Individual Income Tax Returns
and Extensions of Time to File Individual Income Tax Returns, through an ERO or through Online Filing.
The Transmitter creates the electronic postmark bearing the date and time (in the Transmitter's time
zone) that the return is received at the Transmitter's host computer. The taxpayer must adjust the
electronic postmark to the time zone where the taxpayer resides to determine the postmark’s actual time.
For example, if the Transmitter provides an electronic postmark with a time in the Pacific Time Zone but
the taxpayer resides in the Eastern Time Zone, the taxpayer must add three hours to the postmark time to
determine the actual postmark time (Eastern Time Zone).
If the electronic postmark is on or before the prescribed deadline for filing, but the IRS receives the return
after the prescribed deadline for filing, the IRS treats the return as timely filed. For the IRS to treat a
return as timely filed, based on the electronic postmark's date, the taxpayer must meet all requirements
for signing the return and when applicable, mailing Form 8453 with supporting documents not included in
the electronic record. If the electronic postmark is after the prescribed deadline for filing, the IRS actual
receipt date, not the date of the electronic postmark, is the filing date. If the IRS rejects a return, the
taxpayer must file a corrected return in accordance with the rules for timely filing corrected returns after
rejection of an electronic return.
The IRS authorizes a Transmitter to provide an electronic postmark if the Transmitter:
•
•

•
•
•

•
•
•

30

Creates an electronic postmark bearing the date and time (in the Transmitter's time zone) the return
was received by the Transmitter's host system;
Provides the electronic postmark to the taxpayer or the ERO no later than when the acknowledgment
is made available to the taxpayer in a format that precludes alteration and manipulation of the
electronic postmark information;
Provides the same electronic postmark data to the IRS in the electronic record of the return;
Provides taxpayers with an explanation of the electronic postmark and when the IRS treats the
electronic postmark as the filing date;
Refrains from using terms that currently have specific meaning in the postal industry such as
"certified" or "registered" and similar terms, and from using "Internal Revenue Service", "IRS" or
"Federal" as a definer of the electronic postmark when discussing the electronic postmark, including in
all advertising, product packaging, articles, press releases and other presentations;
Retains a record of each electronic postmark until the end of the calendar year and provides the
record to the IRS upon request;
Transmits all tax returns and extensions of time to file that received an electronic postmark to the IRS
within two days of receipt from the ERO or from the taxpayer in the case of Online Filing; and
Retains the original electronic postmark of the rejected return for a corrected return that the
Transmitter received through the last date for retransmitting rejected returns and creates a new
postmark for all returns, including corrected returns received after the last date for retransmitting
returns. All corrected returns retaining an electronic postmark of a date through the prescribed last day
of filing must be transmitted to the IRS within two days of the date the return was received by the
Transmitter or the twenty second day of the respective month of the prescribed due date, whichever is
earlier.

Transmitting for Federal/State e-file
If Providers participate in Federal/State e-file, software should meet both IRS and state specifications.
However, before electronic return data can be transmitted (both federal and state electronic return data is
transmitted to the IRS), all requirements for transmitting electronic data in IRS e-file must be met. Contact
the appropriate state coordinator for additional requirements specific to that state.

31

Chapter 5 - Other Authorized IRS e-file Provider Activities
In addition to Electronic Return Origination and Transmission previously discussed, there are other
activities performed by Authorized IRS e-file Providers (Providers), including intermediate service and
software development.

Intermediate Service Providers
An Intermediate Service Provider receives tax information from an Electronic Return Originator (ERO) (or
from a taxpayer who files electronically using a personal computer and commercial tax preparation
software), processes the tax return information and either forwards the information to a Transmitter or
sends the information back to the ERO or taxpayer (for Online Filing).
A Provider participating as an Intermediate Service Provider must meet the following responsibilities to
participate in IRS e-file. The Intermediate Service Provider must:
1. Deliver all electronic returns to a Transmitter or the ERO who gave the electronic returns to the
Intermediate Service Provider within three calendar days of receipt;
2. Retrieve the acknowledgment file from the Transmitter within one calendar day of receipt by the
Transmitter and send the acknowledgment file to the ERO (whether related or not) within one work
day of retrieving it;
3. Retain each acknowledgment file received from a Transmitter until the end of the calendar year in
which the electronic return was filed;
4. Input the TINs and addresses on a Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R or Schedule C as applicable in the
electronic return record when they differ from the taxpayer's TIN or address in the electronic individual
income tax return as described in “Verifying Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TINs)” and “Be Careful
with Addresses” if inputting the electronic data; and
5. Send any return needing changes as described in " Electronic Return Origination" back to the ERO for
correction.

Additional Requirements for Intermediate Service Providers Participating in
Online Filing
When the taxpayer files a return using Online Filing, the Intermediate Service Provider processes
information for a taxpayer so that a Transmitter can send the electronic return(s) to the IRS. In so doing,
the Intermediate Service Provider must:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Ensure that it uses an Online Filing EFIN which begins with 10, 21, 32, 44 or 53;
Ensure that its Online Filing EFIN is included in the appropriate field in the electronic return data;
Send the transmission to the Transmitter within 24 hours of the receipt of the return from the taxpayer;
Ensure that no more than five tax returns are filed electronically by one software package or from one
e-mail address;
5. Ensure that software used by the taxpayer does not have an IRS-assigned production password built
into the software; and
6. Immediately forward to the taxpayer information received from the Transmitter as required for Online
Filing. For example, a Transmitter receives information from the IRS regarding the status of the
electronic portion of a taxpayer’s return. See "Additional Responsibilities for Participants in Online
Filing" in the " Requirements" section.

32

Software Developers
A Software Developer develops software for the purposes of formatting electronic return information
according to IRS e-file specifications and/or transmitting electronic return information directly to the IRS.
Software Developers may find information about Modernized e-File (MeF) schemas in Publication 4164,
Modernized (MEF) E-File Guide for Software Developers and Transmitters and on IRS.gov. Software
Developers must pass Assurance Testing System (ATS) as prescribed in Publication 1436, Test Package
for Electronic Filers of Individual Income Tax Returns.
A Software Developer must:
1. Promptly correct any software error which causes the electronic portion of a return to be rejected and
then promptly distribute that correction;
2. Ensure that its software contains appropriate language and version indicators for Consent to Disclose
and Jurat statements;
3. Ensure software contains IRS e-file Signature Authorization; and
4. Ensure its software allows for input of different addresses on appropriate forms and schedules when
they differ from the taxpayer’s address in the electronic individual income tax return. Also require the
manual key entry of the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) as it appears on Form W-2 for taxpayers
with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) who are reporting wages.

Additional Requirements for Software Developers Participating in Online Filing
A Software Developer that participates in Online Filing must also:
1. Ensure that its software package cannot be used to transmit more than five electronic returns;
2. Ensure that its software, if available for use on an Internet Web site, cannot be used to file more than
five electronic returns from one e-mail address;
3. Ensure that its software contains a Form 8453, U.S. Individual Income Tax Transmittal for an IRS efile Return, that can be printed and used by a taxpayer to mail supporting documents to IRS;
4. Ensure that its software contains a payment voucher that can be printed and used by a taxpayer to file
with the IRS; and
5. Ensure the Internet Protocol (IP) statement is present.

Additional Requirements for Software Developers Enabling Electronic Signatures
for Forms 8878 and 8879
A Software Developer that enables electronic signatures for Forms 8878 and 8879 must:
1. Provide the following in an accessible format (including print capability) for the electronic return
originator:
• Digital image of the signed form;
• Date and time of the signature;
• Taxpayer’s computer IP address (Remote transaction only);
• Taxpayer’s login identification – user name (Remote transaction only);
• Identity verification: taxpayer’s knowledge based authentication passed results and for inperson transactions, confirmation that government picture identification has been verified;
and
• Method used to sign the record, (e.g., typed name); or a system log; or other audit trail
that reflects the completion of the electronic signature process by the signer.

33

2. Comply with the identity verification requirements.
3. Ensure software disables identity verification after three attempts.
4. Ensure identity verification transactions occur in a secure portal.
5. Ensure the electronic record that has been signed is tamper-proof.
6. Ensure storage system has secure access controls.
7. Ensure storage system contains a retrieval system that includes an indexing system.
8. Ensure software can reproduce legible and readable hardcopies of Form 8878 or 8879.
9. Ensure software does not allow tax return transmission until Form 8879 is signed.
A Software Developer that enables electronic signatures for Forms 8878 and 8879 should:
1. Follow best practices and clearly provide information for taxpayers on use of third party data and “soft
inquiries” prior to beginning the identity verification process.
2. Follow best practices and clearly provide information for taxpayers that the IRS will not be given view
of or access to a taxpayer’s credit report, nor will the credit reporting company or other identity
verification third party have access to the taxpayer’s tax information.
See “Electronic Signature Guidance for Forms 8878 and 8879” section for detailed information

34

Chapter 6 - IRS e-file Rules and Requirements
All Authorized IRS e-file Providers (Providers) must adhere to IRS e-file rules and requirements to
continue participation in IRS e-file. Requirements are included in Revenue Procedure 2007-40,
throughout this publication and in other publications and notices that govern IRS e-file (See Publication
3112, IRS e-file Application and Participation). All Providers must adhere to all rules and requirements,
regardless of where published. Some rules and requirements are specific to the activities performed by
the Provider and are included in appropriate chapters of this publication. The following list, while not
all-inclusive, applies to all Providers of individual income tax returns, except Software Developers that do
not engage in any other IRS e-file activity other than software development. A Provider must:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Maintain an acceptable cumulative error or reject rate;
Adhere to the requirements for ensuring that tax returns are properly signed;
Properly use the standard/non-standard Form W-2 indicator;
Properly use the Refund Anticipation Loan (RAL) indicator;
Include the Electronic Return Originator's (ERO’s) Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) as
the return EFIN for returns the ERO submits to an Intermediate Service Provider or Transmitter;
6. Include the Intermediate Service Provider's EFIN in the designated Intermediate Service Provider field
in the electronic return record;
7. Submit an electronic return to the IRS with information that is identical to the information provided to
the taxpayer on the copy of the return.

Additional Requirements for Participants in Online Filing
In addition to the above, participants in Online Filing must adhere to the following:
1. Ensure that no more than five electronic returns are filed from one software package or one e-mail
address;
2. Supply a taxpayer with an accurate Submission ID;

Tax Refund-Related Products
Tax refund-related products are financial products based on taxpayers receiving a tax refund. Financial
institutions offer a variety of financial products to taxpayers based on their refunds. Such products include
a Refund Anticipation Loan (RAL) which is money borrowed by a taxpayer from a lender based on the
taxpayer’s anticipated income tax refund, and a Refund Anticipation Check (RAC) which directs the
refund to a financial institution which disburses fees and the balance to the taxpayer. The IRS is in no
way involved in or responsible for RALs, RACs or other financial products. Authorized IRS e-file Providers
(Providers) that assist taxpayers in applying for a tax refund-related financial product should:
•
•
•

•

35

Ensure taxpayers understand that by agreeing to a refund-related financial product they will not
receive their refund from the IRS as the IRS will send their refund to the financial institution;
Advise taxpayers that RALs are interest bearing loans and not a quicker way of receiving their refunds
from the IRS;
Advise taxpayers that if the financial institution does not receive a Direct Deposit within the expected
time frame for whatever reason, the taxpayers may be liable to the lender for additional interest and
other fees, as applicable for the RAL or other tax refund-related product (see explanation below);
Advise taxpayers of all fees and other known deductions to be paid from their refund and the
remaining amount the taxpayers will receive;

•

Secure the taxpayer’s written consent as specified in Treas. Reg. § 301.7216-3(a) to disclose tax
information to the lending financial institution in connection with an application for a refund-related
financial product;
• Ensure that if it is also the tax return preparer that it is not a related taxpayer (within the meaning of
Internal Revenue Code §267 or §707A) to the financial institution or other lender that makes a RAL
agreement; and
There are no guarantees that the Department of the Treasury deposits refunds within a specified time or
in their entirety. For example, it may delay a refund due to processing problems or, it may offset some or
all the refund. The Department of the Treasury is not liable for any loss suffered by taxpayers, Providers
or financial institutions resulting from reduced refunds or not honored Direct Deposits, causing it to issue
refunds by check.

Advertising Standards
The advertising standards in Publication 3112, IRS e-file Applications and Participation, and Federal,
state, and local consumer protection laws apply to Providers of individual income tax returns in several
ways.
Providers must not use improper or misleading advertising in relation to IRS e-file, including the periods
for refunds and tax refund-related products including RALs. Any claims by Providers concerning faster
refunds by electronic filing must be consistent with the language in official IRS publications. If Providers
advertise the availability of a RAL or other tax refund-related product, the Provider and financial institution
must clearly refer to or describe the funds as a loan or other financial product, not as a refund. The
advertisement of a RAL or other tax refund-related product must be easy to identify and in readable print.
That is, it must make clear in the advertising that the taxpayer is borrowing against the anticipated refund
or receiving another tax refund-related product and is not obtaining the refund itself.
A Provider must not advertise that individual income tax returns may be electronically filed prior to the
Provider’s receipt of Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099-R, as the Provider is generally prohibited from
electronically filing returns prior to receipt of Forms W-2, W-2G, and 1099-R. Advertisements must not
imply that the Provider does not need Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099-R, or that it can use pay stubs or other
documentation of earnings to e-file individual income tax returns.
In using the Direct Deposit name and logo in advertisement, the Provider must use the name "Direct
Deposit" with initial capital letters or all capital letters, use the logo/graphic for Direct Deposit whenever
feasible and may change the color or size of the Direct Deposit logo/graphic when it uses it in advertising
pieces.

Disclosure of Tax Return Information
Under Treas. Reg. §301.7216-2d(1), disclosure of tax return information among Providers for the purpose
of preparing a tax return is permissible without the taxpayer’s consent. For example, an ERO may pass
on tax return information to an Intermediate Service Provider and/or a Transmitter for the purpose of
having an electronic return formatted and transmitted to the IRS. However, if the tax return information is
disclosed or used in any other way without the taxpayer’s consent, an Intermediate Service Provider
and/or a Transmitter may be subject to the penalties described in I.R.C. §7216 and/or the civil penalties in
I.R.C. §6713 for unauthorized disclosure or use of tax return information.

Penalty Information for Authorized IRS e-file Providers
Preparer penalties may be asserted against an individual or firm meeting the definition of a tax return
preparer under I.R.C. §7701(a)(36) and Treas. Reg. §301.7701-15. A person that prepares for
compensation, or who employs one or more person to prepare for compensation, all or a substantial

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portion of any tax return may be subject to preparer penalties. Preparer penalties that may be asserted
under appropriate circumstances include, but are not limited to, those set forth in I.R.C. §§ 6694, 6695,
6701 and 6713.
Under §301.7701-15(c), Providers are not tax return preparers for the purpose of assessing most
preparer penalties as long as their services are limited to "typing, reproduction or other mechanical
assistance in the preparation of a return or claim for refund.” If an ERO, Intermediate Service Provider,
Transmitter or the product of a Software Developer alters the return information in a non-substantive way,
this alteration is considered to come under the "mechanical assistance" exception described in
§301.7701-15(c). A non-substantive change is a correction or change limited to a transposition error,
misplaced entry, spelling error or arithmetic correction.
If an ERO, Intermediate Service Provider, Transmitter or the product of a Software Developer alters the
return in a way that does not come under the "mechanical assistance" exception, the IRS may hold the
Provider liable for preparer penalties. See Treas. Reg.§301.7701-15(c); Rev. Rul. 85-189, 1985-2 C.B.
341 (which describes a situation where the Software Developer was determined to be a tax return
preparer and subject to certain preparer penalties).
A penalty may be imposed, per I.R.C. §6695(f), on a tax return preparer who endorses or negotiates a
refund check issued to any taxpayer other than the tax return preparer. The prohibition on tax return
preparers negotiating a refund check is limited to a refund check for returns they prepared.
A tax return preparer that is also a financial institution, but has not made a loan to the taxpayer based on
the taxpayer’s anticipated refund, may
•
•

cash a refund check and remit all the cash to the taxpayer
accept a refund check for deposit in full to a taxpayer’s account provided the bank does not initially
endorse or negotiate the check, or
• endorse a refund check for deposit in full to a taxpayer’s account pursuant to a written authorization of
the taxpayer.
A preparer bank may also subsequently endorse or negotiate a refund check as part of the check-clearing
process through the financial system after initial endorsement. Under Treas. Reg. 1.6695-1(f), a tax return
preparer, however, may affix the taxpayer's name to a refund check for the purpose of depositing the
check into the account in the name of the taxpayer or in joint names of the taxpayer and one or more
persons (excluding the tax return preparer) if authorized by the taxpayer or the taxpayer's recognized
representative. The IRS may sanction any tax return preparer that violates this provision.
In addition to the above-specified provisions, the IRS reserves the right to assert all appropriate preparer
and non-preparer penalties against a Provider as warranted.

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Notice - Paperwork Reduction Act
The collections of information contained in this publication have been reviewed and approved by the
Office of Management and Budget in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3507)
under control number 1545-1708.
An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of
information unless the collection of information displays a valid control number. It must maintain books or
records relating to a collection of information if their contents may become material in the administration
of any internal revenue law. Generally, tax returns and tax return information are confidential, as required
by 26 U.S.C. §6103.
The collections of information in this publication are in chapters 3, 4 and 5. This information is required
to implement IRS e-file and to enable taxpayers to file their individual income tax returns electronically.
The IRS uses this information to ensure that taxpayers receive accurate and essential information
regarding the filing of their electronic returns and to identify the persons involved in the filing of electronic
returns. The collections of information are required to retain the benefit of participating in IRS e-file. The
likely respondents are business or other for-profit institutions.
The estimated total annual reporting and recordkeeping burden is 6,023,762 hours.

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IRS e-file Glossary
Acceptance Letter - Correspondence that includes identification numbers that are issued by the IRS to
applicants confirming they may participate in IRS e-file as Authorized IRS e-file Providers (Providers).
Acknowledgment (ACK) - A report generated by the IRS to a Transmitter that indicates receipt of all
transmissions. An ACK Report identifies the returns in each transmission that are accepted or rejected for
specific reasons.
Acceptance or Assurance Testing (ATS) - Required testing for Software Developer that participate in
IRS e-file to assess their software and transmission capability with the IRS, prior to live processing.
Administrative Review Process - The process by which a denied applicant or sanctioned Authorized
IRS e-file Provider may appeal the IRS’s denial or sanction.
Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN) - A tax processing number issued by the IRS as a
temporary taxpayer identification number for a child in the domestic adoption process who is not yet
eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN). An ATIN is not a permanent identification number and is only
intended for temporary use. To obtain an ATIN, complete IRS Form W-7A, Application for Taxpayer
Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions.
Authorized IRS e-file Provider (Provider) - A firm accepted to participate in IRS e-file.
Automated Clearing House (ACH) - A system that administers electronic funds transfers (EFTs) among
participating financial institutions. An example of such a transfer is Direct Deposit of a tax refund from IRS
into a taxpayer's account at a financial institution.
Bureau of the Fiscal Service- The agency of the Department of the Treasury through which payments to
and from the government, such as Direct Deposits of refunds, are processed.
Business Rules (BR) - Error codes included on an Acknowledgement (Ack) for returns that the IRS
rejected. Explanations are distributed through the SOR and e-Services mailboxes prior to the filing
season.
Communications Testing - Required test for all Transmitters using accepted IRS e-file software to
assess their transmission capability with the IRS prior to live processing.
Denied Applicant - An applicant that the IRS does not accept to participate in IRS e-file. An applicant
that the IRS denies from participation in IRS e-file has the right to an administrative review.
Depositor Account Number (DAN) - The financial institution account to which a Direct Deposit refund is
to be routed.
Device ID - The Device ID is a 40-digit alphanumeric value that is case sensitive with no separators and
run through hash algorithm SHA-1 that should include unique information such as the hardware serial
number and UUID together.
Digital Signature - An electronic signature based upon cryptographic methods of originator
authentication, computed by using a set of rules and a set of parameters such that the identity of the
signer and the integrity of the data can be verified. The digital signature must be consistent with Federal
Information Processing Standards for digital signatures adopted by the National Institute for Standards
and Technology and includes use of the digital signature algorithm, the RSA digital signature, and the
elliptic curve digital signature algorithm to verify and validate digital signatures.
Direct Deposit - An electronic transfer of a refund into a taxpayer's financial institution account.

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Direct Filer - see "Transmitter.”
Drop or Dropped - An EFIN that is no longer valid due to inactivity or other administrative action.
Due Diligence - Due Diligence, when used in context with claiming the head of household filing status or
certain credits including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), refers to requirements that income tax
return preparers must follow when determining eligibility to file a return or claim for refund as head of
household and when determining eligibility for, and the amount of, certain credits including the EITC.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) - The Earned Income Tax Credit is a refundable individual income tax
credit for certain persons who work.
Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) – A free service from the U.S. Treasury through
which federal taxes may be paid. The taxpayer can pay taxes via the Internet, by phone or through a
service provider. After authorization, EFTPS electronically transfers payments from the authorized bank
account to the Treasury’s general account.
Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) - An identification number assigned by the IRS to
accepted applicants for participation in IRS e-file.
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) - The process through which Department of the Treasury transmits
Direct Deposit refunds from the government to the taxpayer's account at a financial institution.
Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW) - A payment method that allows the taxpayer to authorize the U.S.
Treasury to electronically withdraw funds from their checking or savings account.
Electronic Postmark - The Electronic Postmark is the date and time the Transmitter first receives the
electronic return on its host computer in the Transmitter's time zone. The taxpayer adjusts the time to
their time zone to determine timeliness.
Electronic Record - Any combination of text, graphics, data, audio, pictorial or other information
representation in digital form that is created, modified, maintained, archived, retrieved or distributed by a
computer system.
Electronic Return Originator (ERO) - An Authorized IRS e-file Provider that originates the electronic
submission of returns to the IRS.
Electronic Signature - A method of signing an electronic message that identifies and authenticates a
particular person as the source of the electronic message and indicates such person’s approval of the
information contained in the electronic message.
Electronic Signature Pad - An electronic device with a touch sensitive LCD screen which allows users to
acquire and register a signature or any other physical signature capture device that captures and
converts a signature into an electronic format.
Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee (ETAAC) - An advisory group established by the
IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 to provide an organized public forum for discussion of ETARC
issues in support of the overriding goal that paperless filing should be the preferred and most convenient
method of filing tax and information returns.
Electronic Transmitter Identification Number (ETIN) - An identification number assigned by the IRS to
a participant in IRS e-file that performs activity of transmission and/or software development.
Element Name (Tag Name) - a defined field name which the Software must use to identify the data they
are providing.

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Federal/State e-file - The Federal/State e-file option allows taxpayers to file federal and state income tax
returns electronically in a single transmission to the IRS.
Financial Institution - For Direct Deposit of tax refunds, the IRS defines a financial institution as a state
or national bank, savings and loan association, mutual savings bank or credit union. Only certain financial
institutions and certain kinds of accounts are eligible to receive Direct Deposits of tax refunds.
Fraudulent Return - A "fraudulent return" is a return in which the individual is attempting to file using
someone’s name or SSN on the return or where the taxpayer is presenting documents or information that
have no basis in fact.
Note: Taxpayers should not file fraudulent returns with the IRS.
Indirect Filer - An Authorized IRS e-file Provider who submits returns to IRS via the services of a
Transmitter.
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) - A tax processing number that became available on
July 1, 1996, for certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses and dependents. The ITIN is only
available from IRS for those individuals who cannot obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). To obtain an
ITIN, complete IRS Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
Intermediate Service Provider - An Authorized IRS e-file Provider that receives electronic tax return
information from an ERO or a taxpayer who files electronically using a personal computer and commercial
tax preparation software, that processes the electronic tax return information and either forwards the
information to a Transmitter or sends the information back to the ERO or taxpayer.
Internet Protocol (IP) Information - The IP address, date, time and time zone of the origination of a tax
return filed through Online Filing via the Internet. IRS requires Transmitters that provide Online Services
via the Internet to capture the Internet Protocol Information of Online returns. By capturing this
information, it transmits the location of the return’s originator with the individual’s electronic return. See
Publication 4164 for additional Information.
IRS e-file - The brand name of the electronic filing method established by the IRS.
IRS e-file Marketing Tool Kit - A specially designed kit containing professionally developed material that
EROs may customize for use in advertising campaigns and promotional efforts.
IRS Master File - A centralized IRS database containing taxpayers' personal return information.
Levels of Infractions (LOI) - Categories of infractions of IRS e-file rules based on the seriousness of the
infraction with specified sanctions associated with each level. Level One is the least serious, Level Two is
moderately serious and Level Three is the most serious.
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) & Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) - The implementing
document containing the set of rules established by the IRS for participating in IRS pilots/programs.
Modernized e-File (MeF) - The Modernized e-File (MeF) system is an Internet-based electronic filing
platform. It is a transaction-based system that allows tax return originators to transmit returns
electronically to the IRS in real-time. MeF improves the response time required to issue an
acknowledgement file to the transmitter that indicates whether the return was accepted or rejected for
downstream processing.
Monitoring - Activities the IRS performs to ensure that Authorized IRS e-file Providers are following the
IRS e-file requirements. Monitoring may include, but is not limited to, reviewing IRS e-file submissions,
investigating complaints, scrutinizing advertising material, checking signature form submissions and/or

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recordkeeping, examining records, observing office procedures and conducting periodic suitability
checks. IRS personnel perform these activities at IRS offices and at the offices of Providers.
Name Control - The first four significant letters of a taxpayer's last name that the IRS uses in connection
with the taxpayer SSN to identify the taxpayer, spouse and dependents.
Non-substantive Change - A correction or change limited to a transposition error, misplaced entry,
spelling error or arithmetic correction which does not require new signatures or authorizations to be
transmitted or retransmitted.
Online Provider - An Online Provider allows taxpayers to self-prepare returns by entering return data
directly on commercially available software, software downloaded from an Internet site and prepared offline, or through an online Internet site. Online Provider is a secondary role; therefore, they must also
choose another Provider Option such as Software Developer, Transmitter or Intermediate Service
Provider. Although an ERO may also use an Internet Web site to obtain information from taxpayers to
originate the electronic submission of returns, the ERO is not an Online Provider.
Originate or Origination - Origination of an electronic tax return submission occurs when an ERO either:
1. directly transmits electronic returns to the IRS,
2. sends electronic returns to a Transmitter or
3. provides tax return data to an Intermediate Service Provider.
Pilot Programs - An approach that the IRS uses to improve and simplify IRS e-file. The IRS usually
conducts pilot programs within a limited geographic area or within a limited taxpayer or practitioner
community. The IRS embodies rules for participating in pilot programs in an implementing document
typically referred to as a "Memorandum of Understanding" (MOU) or "Memorandum of Agreement"
(MOA). Pilot participants must agree to the provisions of the implementing document to participate in the
pilot program.
Potentially Abusive Return - A "potentially abusive return" is a return
1. that is not a fraudulent return;
2. that the taxpayer is required to file; or
3. that may contain inaccurate information that may lead to an understatement of a liability or an
overstatement of a credit resulting in production of a refund to which the taxpayer may not be entitled.
Note: The decision not to provide a RAL or other bank product does not necessarily make it an
abusive return.
Practitioner PIN Method - An electronic signature option for taxpayers who use an ERO to e-file. This
method requires the taxpayer to create a five-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) to use as the
signature on the e-filed return.
Note: Requires Form 8879 to be completed.
Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) - An identification number issued by the IRS that paid tax
return preparers must use on returns they prepared. A PTIN meets the requirements under section
6109(a)(4) of furnishing a paid tax return preparer's identifying number on returns that he or she prepares.
Obtain a PTIN at IRS.gov/PTIN.
Principals – Generally the Principal for a business or organization includes sole proprietor, each partner
who has a 5 percent or more interest in the partnership, the President, Vice-President, Secretary, and
Treasurer of the corporation and an individual authorized to act for the entity in legal and/or tax matters
for an entity that is not a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation.

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Refund Anticipation Check (RAC) – Financial product where the tax refund is issued to a
limited/special-purpose deposit account at a financial institution that disburses fees associated with tax
preparation and/or other services, and the balance to the taxpayer.
Refund Anticipation Loan (RAL) - A Refund Anticipation Loan is money borrowed by a taxpayer that
lender bases on a taxpayer's anticipated income tax refund. The IRS is not involved in RALs. A RAL is a
contract between the taxpayer and the lender. A lender may market a RAL under various commercial or
financial product names.
Refund Cycle - The anticipated date that the IRS would issue a refund either by Direct Deposit or by mail
to a taxpayer. However, neither the IRS nor Fiscal Service guarantees the specific date that Department
of the Treasury mails a refund or deposits it into a taxpayer's financial institution account.
Request for Agreement (RFA) - A solicitation, normally a written document, used in establishing nonmonetary memoranda of agreement. RFAs are not "acquisitions" as defined by the Federal Acquisition
Regulations (FAR).
Request for Procurement (RFP) - A solicitation, normally a written document, used in negotiated
acquisitions estimated over $100,000 (as opposed to sealed bids) to communicate government
requirements to prospective contractors and to solicit proposals to perform contracts.
Responsible Official - An individual with authority over the IRS e-file operation of the office(s) of an
Authorized IRS e-file Provider, who is the first point of contact with the IRS and has authority to sign
revised IRS e-file applications. A Responsible Official is responsible for ensuring that the Authorized IRS
e-file Provider adheres to the provisions of the Revenue Procedure and the publications and notices
governing IRS e-file.
Revenue Protection - A series of compliance programs designed to ensure that the revenue the
government collects and/or disburses in the form of refunds is accurate and timely, and that it issues
disbursement of revenue only to entitled taxpayers.
Routing Transit Number (RTN) - A number assigned by the Federal Reserve to each financial
institution.
RSA - An algorithm developed by Rivest, Shamir and Adleman.
Sanction – An action taken by the IRS to reprimand, suspend or expel from participation in IRS e-file, an
Authorized IRS e-file Provider based on the level of infraction. See also Level of Infraction.
Self-Select PIN Method - An electronic signature option for taxpayers who e-file using either a personal
computer or an ERO. This method requires the taxpayer to create a five-digit Personal Identification
Number (PIN) to use as the signature on the e-file return and to submit authentication information to the
IRS with the e-file return.
Software Developer - An Authorized IRS e-file Provider that develops software for the purposes of (a)
formatting the electronic portions of returns according to Publication 4164 and/or (b) transmitting the
electronic portion of returns directly to the IRS. A Software Developer may also sell its software.
Stockpiling – Stockpiling is waiting more than three calendar days to submit returns to the IRS after the
Provider has all necessary information for origination of the electronic return or collecting e-file returns
prior to official acceptance for participation in IRS e-file. The IRS does not consider collecting tax returns
for IRS e-file prior to the startup of IRS e-file as stockpiling. However, Providers must advise taxpayers
that it cannot transmit the returns to the IRS prior to the startup date.
Stylus Device - A device used on a display screen to input commands or handwritten text.

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Submission ID - A globally unique 20-digit number assigned to electronically filed tax returns with the
following format: (EFIN + ccyyddd + 7-digit alphanumeric sequence number).
Suitability - A check conducted on all firms and the Principals and Responsible Officials of firms when an
application is initially processed, and on a regular basis thereafter. The suitability check includes a
background check conducted by the IRS to ensure the firm and individuals are eligible for participation in
IRS e-file.
Suspension - A sanction revoking an Authorized IRS e-file Provider's privilege to participate in IRS e-file.
Transmitter - An Authorized IRS e-file Provider that transmits the electronic portion of a return directly to
the IRS. An entity that provides a "bump-up" service is also a Transmitter. A bump-up service provider
increases the transmission rate or line speed of formatted or reformatted information that it is sending to
the IRS via a public switched telephone network.
Treasury Offset Program (TOP) - A centralized offset program administered by the Bureau of the Fiscal
Service to collect delinquent debts owed to federal agencies and states (including past-due child support).
Warning - Written notice given by the IRS to an Authorized IRS e-file Provider requesting specific
corrective action be taken to avoid future sanctioning.
Written Reprimand - A sanction for a level one infraction of the IRS e-file rules. It reprimands a Provider
for an infraction but does not restrict or revoke participation in IRS e-file.

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