The IRS uses a network of tax account and information systems to maintain communication with and service to the taxpaying public. This section gives condensed descriptions and explanations of many of the systems, databases, files and processes used or researched by Customer Account Services (CAS) employees. Although this list is not all inclusive, these systems are used to:

Customer Service Representatives (CSRs), Tax Examiners (TEs) and other IRS employees need both a general understanding of the systems and the ability to research for more specific information when needed, using these and other systems.

Internal Revenue Manual (IRM 21.2.1) contains information on the various systems needed to understand, research processes and resolve taxpayer accounts.

Purpose: This IRM section provides information on the various systems needed to understand, research, process and resolve taxpayer accounts.

The IRS mission is to provide America's taxpayers top quality service by helping them understand and meet their tax responsibilities and by applying the tax law with integrity and fairness to all.

The IRS will not tolerate discriminatory treatment of taxpayers by its employees in any programs or activities supported by the Service. No taxpayer should be subject to discrimination in educational programs or activities based on sex, race, color, national origin, disability, reprisal, religion, or age.

If a taxpayer believes they have been discriminated against on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency), disability, reprisal, religion, or age, advise the taxpayer that he/she can forward an email to *EDI.Civil.Rights.Division@irs.gov, or send a written complaint to: Operations Director, Civil Rights Division, Internal Revenue Service, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 2413, Washington, DC 20224. To file a complaint online, a complaint form can be found at Civil Rights On-Line form.

Audience: The primary users of the IRM are all employees within LMSB, SBSE, TEGE and W&I Business Operating Divisions, who work with or have a need to know about systems/files/processes.

Policy Owner: The Director of Accounts Management.

Program Owner: Policy and Procedures BMF, Accounts Management, Wage and Investment (WI).

Primary Stakeholders: The primary stakeholders are Management Officials who rely on accurate data, reports and quality information to ensure there are no gaps in efficiencies.

The Master File (MF), the official repository of all taxpayer data extracted from magnetic tape records, paper and electronic tax returns, payments, and related documents, is maintained at Enterprise Computing Center - Martinsburg (ECC-MTB) and /or Enterprise Computing Center - Memphis (ECC-MEM).

The Master File contains several parts, including:

Most of the Master File parts are analyzed and updated weekly as follows:

The Integrated Data Retrieval System (IDRS) accesses Master File account information using IDRS Command Codes (CCs). Through wide-area networks, IDRS accesses:

IDRS provides the means to:

The Customer Account Data Engine (CADE) system is the cornerstone of the IRS' modernization program; CADE 2 is the most updated version. It is incrementally replacing the IRS' tape-based Individual Master File (IMF) system as the system of record for taxpayer account and return data. CADE 2 is being developed and implemented over a series of multiple releases. Taxpayer accounts are moved from the IMF to the modernized system based on a segmented approach whereby the simplest accounts are moved first, followed by increasingly complex taxpayer accounts with each new phase. CADE 2 operates in current production environment and CADE accessible accounts can be displayed on Command Code IMFOL.

Some of the benefits of CADE 2 are daily transaction posting and quicker refunds. The CADE system began deployment in 2004. See IRM 21.2.2.4.6, Customer Account Data Engine (CADE 2) for additional information about CADE 2.

The Non-Master File (NMF) system provides for certain types of tax assessments that cannot be implemented by Master File processing.

NMF allows processing of accounts that have too many transactions or dollar amounts that are too large for the Master File to handle.

NMF also allows processing accounts that require immediate assessments and accounts that are the result of new legislation that cannot be quickly implemented on Master File.

A NMF account reflects an assessment of tax from a return or other source document, and by itself may not represent the entire liability for a tax period.

An additional tax assessment to a tax year already established on the NMF database is established as a separate NMF account.

To reduce erroneous refunds from Master File and to alert of assessments on NMF (and/or other accounts), a TC 130 is input to the Master File account, which creates a "V-" freeze.

NMF accounts in Taxpayer Delinquent Account (TDA) status appear on IDRS for research purposes.

Changes to accounts are made through regular NMF processing, with appropriate source documents, before updates to IDRS are made.

To research a NMF/TDA account on IDRS, input the TIN followed by "N" .

A tax return moves through the workflow pipeline operation of a Campus as follows:

Returns are processed by the Automated Data Processing (ADP) system as follows:

After a tax return is processed, the final account condition is either:

Paper refund checks are mailed from the Department of Treasury Regional Financial Center in Austin, Texas. If requested by the taxpayer on the tax return, refunds are electronically deposited directly into the taxpayer’s bank account.

A Balance Due Notice is issued when credits on the account do not fully pay the liability on the return. See IRM 21.3.1.3, What is a Notice?.

Account-related calls may result from a notice or letter to the taxpayer. Not all notices require a taxpayer response or action. An explanation of the account action is printed on the front and/or back of the notice. However, the taxpayer may not understand the notice or letter and/or wants/needs a more complete explanation.

When a taxpayer indicates that the return was processed incorrectly and/or requests a change, the inquiry is normally handled by CSRs in Accounts Management of Customer Account Services (CAS). See IRM 21.5.1, General Adjustments.

To resolve taxpayer inquiries about IMF/CADE2 and BMF notices, see IRM 21.3.1, Taxpayer Contacts Resulting from Notice Issuance.

AMS provides a common user interface that allows users to update taxpayer accounts, view history and comments from other systems and access a variety of case processing tools.

AMS features include:

AMS allows profiled users easy access to launch many systems (ACS, ACT, AOIC, ATFR, AUR, CEAS CIS, CNTLD, e-ACSG, ICS, i-EAR, Innocent Spouse, RCA, RGS, RTR, and TAMIS) without leaving AMS.

AMS history is retained for 24 months from the last time the account is accessed.

History input on CIS posts to AMS (currently history input on AMS does not post to CIS).

AMS users can view histories input on ACS, AOIC, ATFR.

AMS provides online inventories for Compliance Services Collection Operations (CSCO) and ACS users and Statute, Accounts Maintenance Research (AMRH), and Entity transcript inventories for AM and SP users.

CIS inventory is accessed through AMS.

Branded Prescription Drug (BPD) Inventory is accessed through AMS.

The Correspondence Imaging System (CIS) is a document imaging and workflow system. All incoming paper correspondence, notice replies, amended returns, internal transcripts, and internal Computer Paragraph (CP) notices are scanned and processed as digital images. CIS interacts with IDRS to control cases, input notice delays (via CC STAUP), when needed, and distribute cases electronically to CSRs for resolution. The digital cases are assigned to CSRs who work the cases online using the workflow software. CIS interacts with IDRS to initiate various command codes and captures the request completed screens as a part of the digital case.

The Correspondence Imaging System Indicator (CIS-IND) displays on Command Code TXMOD, IMFOLA/BMFOLA and ADJ54. The CIS-IND is recognized as a part of the TC 29X transaction on TXMOD. The CIS indicator is a one (1) character field, i.e., CIS-IND>1. This means an adjustment was initiated through CIS and the source document is a digital image, rather than a paper document. The field is blank when an adjustment is not input by CIS. The IMFOLA and BMFOLA also display the CIS indicator on all TC 29X transactions.

CIS inventory can be accessed using the AMS system. Users must access AMS first and then select the CIS inventory link.

Accounts Management Services (AMS) updated CIS inventory management in January 2015 to add the "Close as MISC" button to the CIS case page. When multiple open CIS bases exist on a TIN, this button allows the user to close the unnecessary case(s) and update the IDRS category code to MISC. Updating the category code to MISC ensures that the secondary bases will be excluded from CIS and IDRS inventory counts. For more information, see IRM 21.5.1.5.1(17), CIS General Guidelines.

ELITE replaced the Centralized Inventory Distribution System (CIDS). It is used by the National Distribution Center (NDC) to process and distribute orders for IRS forms, instructions, publications and other printed materials for the public and IRS offices. Braille and Large Print tax products for taxpayers are also available on ELITE. ELITE is accessed by a link on AMS. Upon input of a forms order using ELITE, a systemic confirmation number will appear to verify the order. This number is for internal use only.

CFOL is a collection of "read only" files extracted from Master File and maintained at the ECC-MTB and ECC-MEM.

Use CFOL Command Codes (CCs) to access CFOL through IDRS.

See IRM 2.3, IDRS Terminal Responses, and Document 6209, section 15.5, Corporate File On-Line (CFOL), for a list of CFOL command codes and CFOL data.

The following subsection provides information on some authorized Third-party programs/files.

NSF contains the full taxpayer or business names used and the most current Master File addresses.

Use NSF to research:

Use CC NAMEI, NAMES or FINDS for SSNs.

Use CC NAMEB, NAMEE or FINDE for EINs.

The TIF consists of multiple areas of information. The TIF provides tax account information for certain taxpayers (generally involving only active accounts) on the database. Balance due notices are issued from the TIF.

Use CC TXMOD/SUMRY to research the TIF for account information including pending transactions, rejects, unpostables and case controls.

The ATIN file contains Form W-7A, Application for IRS Adoptions Taxpayer Identification Number, application information on pending adoptions.

A temporary number is assigned to the child so that adoptive parents may claim a dependency exemption, child care credit and education credits.

All update processing takes place at the Austin Campus using CC ATINQ.

FOF file contains timely filed IMF/CADE2 refund returns (original only), usually posted within three weeks of processing.

Use CC FFINQ to access the FOF file.

Once the return posts to the Refund Information File (RFIF), it is purged from the FOF file.

Use CC REINF to access RFIF, which contains data extracted from IMF/CADE2 returns (except full paid) for the latest full calendar year tax period posted to ECC-MTB. RFIF provides basic initial data from returns and documents when they attempt to post to IMF/CADE2 at ECC-MTB.

Updates to the initial RFIF information are limited and further research may be necessary when a module contains the following conditions:

AIMS, the Audit Information Management System, a computer database system used by Appeals, Examination (LB&I/SBSE/W&I), and TE/GE to control returns, input assessment/adjustments to Master File and provide management reports.

Use CC TDINQ to research the TDINF for information about a Taxpayer Delinquency Investigation (TDI) and generating delinquency notices.

This section describes three files maintained by the appropriate local campus Accounting Function areas. They are researched using the specific command codes described in each sub-section.

TRDB contains all of the tax return data for electronically filed returns and subsequent corrections. Reject codes are displayed for research.

Corrections from the following systems are also stored in TRDB:

Status information (e.g., re-sequenced, corrected, posted, rejected return codes, etc.)

Processing Codes (e.g., code and edit, condition, notice, audit, resequence, unpostable)

History information

Command Code (CC) Tax Return Print (TRPRT) provides the capability to obtain graphic prints of tax returns posted to the TRDB. This feature is available for returns filed for tax year 1999 and all subsequent tax years.

See IRM 2.3.73, Command Codes TRDBV, TRERS, TRPRT and R8453, for specific information on TRDB Research Command Codes.

Modernized e-File is a web-based system that allows electronic filing of Individual, Corporate, Partnership, Exempt Organizations, Excise, Estate and Trusts, and Employment Tax Returns through the Internet.

The following form types can be e-filed through the MeF platform:

When a new annual tax return form type is added to the MeF platform, tax returns filed using the new form will be accepted for the current tax year only. As subsequent tax years are added to the MeF system, MeF will accept the current tax year and two prior tax years. For example, processing year 2019 MeF will accept prior tax years 2018 and 2017.

The Automated Collection System (ACS) accepts Integrated Data Retrieval System (IDRS) balance due and non-filer cases requiring telephone contact for resolution. ACS also generates levies and correspondence. Tax Examiners use ACS' case management abilities to contact taxpayers, review their case histories, and issue notices, liens, or levies to resolve the cases. ACS contains taxpayer modules in a collection status. The databases are located at each campus.

ACS is also accessible through AMS.

The AUR Campus Compliance program determines possible discrepancies between income, credits and/or deductions reported on a tax return versus the information documents submitted by employers, financial institutions, etc. Potential cases are reviewed and a determination is made as to whether or not the taxpayer must be contacted to resolve the possible discrepancy.

TAMIS is an Oracle web-based inventory control and report system used to control and track Taxpayer Advocate Service cases. The database is located in the Enterprise Computing Center in Detroit.

TAMIS is accessible through AMS. For more information, see IRM 13.4.1, General TAMIS Information.

Variable Call Routing (VCR) is a technology that redirects telephone calls when call center resources (Agents and/or the Voice Response Unit (VRU)) for routing a call are unavailable due to insufficient circuits, equipment outages, or when the certain business rule thresholds are met. The Intelligent Call Manager (ICM) provides instructions that redirect the call to an alternate destination. The alternate destination may be to a different call center device or to a disconnect message.

The VCR thresholds are based on the business rules for the factors ICM evaluates when making routing decisions: estimated wait time, agent status, average handle time, average queue time, abandon rates, site hours, circuitry, etc.

Different lines of business use different combinations of these statistics to implement their business rules. If the call routing VCR threshold for the CSR has been reached, the call is instead re-directed to a disconnect message, also called a VCR message.

In an effort to improve the taxpayer experience, the IRS is interested in the impact of technology on taxpayer access.

If the taxpayer states they have been calling our toll-free product lines but are continually receiving busy signals, the CSR should request the following:

Advise the caller that the issue will be referred to the telecommunications department for review and thank them for providing the information.

Contact Recording (CR) is a software application/tool/system for recording incoming telephone contacts between IRS customer service personnel and taxpayers or their representatives. Contact Recording also records telephone contacts between IRS employees and the Employee Resource Center, on-site contractors with IRS accounts, and the Enterprise Service Desk (ESD). Phone conversations and related computer screen activity is recorded and then made available through a browser-based interface to managers and quality reviewers, enabling remote assessment of employee performance and customer service quality. See IRM 21.1.1.7, Contact Recording, for more information.

Before being connected to customer service personnel, incoming callers hear an announcement that states, "Your call may be monitored or recorded for quality purposes."

Quality Review uses CR to perform required random reviews (performance and product) of incoming telephone contacts.

While the system provides screen capture of account actions, as well as voice recording of the call, the recordings are NOT accessible by Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), Voice Processing Identification Number (VPIN), Personal Identification Number (PIN), or any other Taxpayer Identification Number.

The system stores audio data by employee SEID for a maximum of 60 days (default), unless it has been evaluated. If a call has been evaluated, it is then stored for an additional 488 days, 548 days total.

See IRM 21.1.1, Accounts Management & Compliance Services Overview, for procedures and additional information.

ICCE is an automated call-routing interactive application system that permits taxpayers using a touch-tone telephone to select an application to resolve tax account issues, obtain tax information, or otherwise direct themselves to the appropriate source of assistance. ICCE reduces the number of calls that must be answered by a CSR. See IRM 21.2.1.30, ICCE Interactive Applications (IAs).

To establish a PIN, the caller must use an ICCE telephone interactive application (IA) that requires the use of a PIN for verification, e.g., payoff, posted payments.

In order for a taxpayer to have or to establish a PIN, the caller must have a current balance due account on IDRS.

To use the system, the caller must use the Caller ID Number on a current balance due notice.

A caller may not establish or maintain a PIN if any of the following conditions exists:

The caller must successfully enter the following requested information during the automated interview for Identification and Authentication (I&A).

Interactive applications help taxpayers resolve issues without talking to a CSR. Taxpayers must meet eligibility criteria to use the applications.

The following IMF applications are available:

The following modules are used internally by the interactive applications:

When a taxpayer exits from an Interactive Application (IA), either by choice or by failure to respond correctly to the menu option, the call is routed to a CSR assigned to the "Default Application" . This is referred to as a "default" from an IA.

Call referral data is displayed on the ICCE Finesse/CTIOS/IPBlue desktop application in the call data section and describes information about the call that has "defaulted" from the system. The call referral data displays the following information on the desktop application

Use of the call referral data, along with IDRS CC VPARS screen information allows you to complete inquiries without asking the taxpayer duplicate questions.

When technical problems are encountered along with any Interactive Application, the desktop application displays the code for the application (VBD, REF, etc.) with an error message from below:

To complete calls with technical problems, follow normal incoming call procedures, including taxpayer/Third-party authentication.

Upon completing the call, immediately notify the manager or system administrator of the error message.

CC VPARS (Voice Processing Account Referral Screen) displays taxpayer account information and a description of the error the taxpayer encountered in an automated telephone system. The voice processing message section of the screen gives user friendly messages to indicate where the caller defaulted or exited the application.

New calculated data fields on a screen show the total TDA and TDI yield score (Internal Use Only), a total of balance due modules and a total of assessed balances.

To request CC VPARS:

Continue the taxpayer contact from point of default using existing IRM procedures, including authentication probes, if necessary.

History items appear on ENMOD for actions taken by ICCE applications. The ICCE identifying IDRS number is 099 after the Campus two-digit number (e.g., 29099XXXXX). The last five digits are systemically generated.

Transaction Code 016 (Miscellaneous Change Entity Code) identifies that a PIN was established. A second TC 016 indicates a PIN change. Other activities include issuing letters, IAGRE, and establishing installment agreements.

A three-digit route code (agent message numbers) appears when a call is routed to a CSR. CC VPARS shows the literal meaning of the route code.

By using the history information on ENMOD, VPARS and TXMOD, you can track the taxpayer’s actions during the interactive process.

Management Action Reports (MAR) generate when transactions do not post to IDRS due to system/network problems (e.g., IDRS application down) or account conditions beyond design for the following applications:

The Planning and Analysis (P&A) staff determines who, within the directorate, works the MAR. The MAR Directorate Assignments are as follows:

A designated person is required to retrieve the reports on a daily basis and manually input the necessary action that the system failed to generate as indicated on the report, by the next business day. The designated person should confirm that the failed transactions were not completed systemically before processing manually.

The MAR includes the TIN, MFT, Business Operating Division (BOD) and tax period, along with the needed correction for each application.

MARS Corrective Action Needed:

The Payment Report lists each account for which an installment agreement has been accepted. The daily report details the agreement type, duration, amount owed, payment date and monthly payment amount, as well as a summary of average duration, average amount owed and total accounts receivable.

Forward ICCE undeliverable letters, identified by 099 in the Employee Identification Number on the letter (e.g., 29099xxxxx), to Customer Service for resolution.

See IRM 21.3.3, Incoming and Outgoing Correspondence/Letters, for instructions for undeliverable items.

The e-File Services (eFS) System offers several methods for filing taxes and transferring funds electronically.

eFS uses several multi-functional Electronic Filing Systems (EFS) to receive and process individual and business returns.

The following table shows the returns and systems.

Taxpayers may file returns through authorized IRS e-file providers, Electronic Return Originators (EROs). EROs transmit returns via a Third-party. In some cases, the ERO may perform both the ERO function and the transmitter function.

The return may be prepared by the taxpayer, a tax professional or an ERO. Tax professionals may also be EROs, depending upon the functions performed.

Taxpayers who file electronically using tax preparation software or who file through a tax professional are required to use a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to sign their returns. Taxpayers create their PINs using any five digits except all zeroes. If authorized by the taxpayer, the taxpayer’s PIN may be generated by the software or entered by the Electronic Return Originator (ERO). If the return is filed using the Self-Select PIN method, the taxpayer must also provide their Date of Birth (DOB) and one of the following:

The Practitioner PIN method is another signature option for taxpayers who use an IRS e-file provider to prepare their tax returns. This option is used in transmitting Form 1040 as a totally paperless electronic return. A Form 8879, IRS e-file Signature Authorization, must be completed for all returns filed using the Practitioner PIN method. Form 8878, IRS e-file Signature Authorization for Form 4868 or Form 2350, Application for Extension of Time To File U.S. Income Tax Return, must be completed for Forms 4868 filed using the Practitioner PIN method of filing when there is an Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW). Information on the requirements for using the Practitioner PIN method can be found in IRM 3.42.5.7.1.2, Practitioner Personal Identification Number (PIN) Method.

The Self-Select PIN is the only IRS e-file signature method available to taxpayers who file a federal individual income tax return using online tax preparation software. This new requirement is to promote a paperless and secure method of signing individual returns electronically. Taxpayers choosing to electronically prepare and file their return using an online software package will be required to use the Self-Select PIN method as their signature. The Taxpayer selects five numbers (except all zeros) to enter as their electronic PIN signature. On a joint return, both spouses are required to enter a PIN as their electronic signature.

Who is eligible to electronically sign using the Self-Select PIN signature method?

Taxpayers must attach the following forms to Form 8453, U.S. Individual Income Tax Transmittal for an IRS e-file Return:

Who is not eligible to electronically sign using the Self-Select PIN method?

If the taxpayer does not have their tax return information available, the taxpayer may use online self-help applications on IRS.gov (e.g., Get Transcript Online, etc.) or may call the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) toll-free number, 800-908-9946, to request the transcript.

Use the RRD system on EUP to assist taxpayers with rejected returns and other e-file inquiries.

The taxpayer may use tax preparation software bought Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) or available by electronic transmission to create an electronic income tax return using a personal computer Internet connection. A taxpayer may file up to five returns electronically with one software package.

The online company will transmit online returns from the taxpayers to the appropriate Submission Processing Campus within 24 hours, retrieve the taxpayer acknowledgement and provide the acceptance or rejection notification to the taxpayer.

Each taxpayer is required to use a Self-Select Personal Identification Number PIN, or the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from the prior year return (see paragraph 7 below) to sign his/her e-file online return.

Taxpayers who choose to electronically prepare and file their return using an online software package will be required to use the Self-Select PIN method as their signature. The taxpayer selects five numbers (except all zeros) to enter as their electronic signature. As part of the authentication process, the taxpayer may choose between two “shared secrets.”

The shared secrets are the original prior year Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) or prior year Self-Selected PIN. The prior year Self-Selected PIN is the five-digit PIN the taxpayer used to electronically sign their previous tax year e-file return. The online filer has to enter their date of birth and one of the following:

The taxpayer cannot use the AGI from an amended return, a corrected amount from a math error notice or other changes made during IRS processing. If the taxpayer does not have the original AGI, the taxpayer may receive the AGI through the Get Transcript Online self-help application on IRS.gov or by calling the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) toll-free number, 800-908-9946. See IRM 3.42.5.7.1.1(4), Self-Select Personal Identification Number (PIN) Method, for further instructions if the AGI is a negative amount.

If the taxpayer calls to request the prior year AGI in order to e-file, do not provide the taxpayer with the AGI. Direct the taxpayer to the self-help application Get Transcript Online on IRS.gov, see IRM 21.2.1.52, Get Transcript, for additional information. Get Transcript has an Online and Mail option. The mail option allows the taxpayer to request the tax account and tax return transcripts. You may also direct the taxpayer to the toll-free IVR number, 800-908-9946, where the taxpayer may request account or tax returns for previous years, see IRM 21.2.3.3.3, Interactive Voice Response, for additional information. For transcript requests for Practitioner Priority Service see IRM 21.3.10.4.4, Transcript Requests. If the taxpayer is unable to acquire their transcript through these processes, you may send a transcript to the taxpayer’s address of record. Alternatively, you may instruct the taxpayer to file the tax return by paper or seek electronic return originator (ERO) support.

Federal/State e-file is available in 40 states plus the District of Columbia and New York City.

State Acknowledgements are accepted by the Modernized e-File (MeF) System. Participating Federal/States can send their State Acknowledgements to MeF for trading partners to pick up when they pick up their Federal Acknowledgements.

Acknowledgements of state returns are made within 48 hours. Acknowledgements for Federal returns usually are received within five minutes but can take up to two hours during peak days.

States that participate in e-filing are:

Each state issues its own publications to detail the state's software specification requirements. Software developers contact the appropriate state to obtain electronic filing publications

IRS e-file accepts federal/state e-file returns with foreign addresses, including the U.S. possession of Puerto Rico.

Direct the taxpayer to the list of VITA/TCE/AARP/FSA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, Tax Counseling for the Elderly, American Association of Retired Persons, and Facilitated Self-Assistance) sites available on IRS.gov for future reference. Access the link http://vitatce.sitesearch.enterprise.irs.gov:8080/default.aspx on SERP's Who/Where tab, which provides an online nationwide directory of volunteer assistance locations taxpayers may visit for free filing assistance. Use this link to refer taxpayers to volunteers.

Users may search by state/county or zip code to provide a list of sites where taxpayers may file free. Use the following site information to ensure that the volunteer site provides the necessary services before referring the caller:

Two of the several possible program types included Facilitated Self-Assistance (FSA) Fusion and FSA Standalone.

Reporting Agents who file Form 941, Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return, returns for themselves or others are eligible to participate in this program.

Participants must submit:

The participants must complete three easy steps: Create an IRS e-services account, submit your application, and pass a suitability check.

Reporting Agents have signature authority and electronically sign returns using an assigned five-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN).

Modernized e-File (MeF) for Employment Taxes offers an improved way to file Forms 940, 940-PR, 941, 941-PR, 941-SS, 943, 943-PR, 944, and 945 electronically. On MeF, the current and two prior tax year returns (no amended) are accepted by Form 941. In tax year 2017, Form 941 will accept all quarters for 2014, 2015, 2016, and the first three quarters of 2017.

The following is a list of attachments that can be transmitted through Form 941, e-file:

section 6011(e)(2) enacted by section 1224 of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 requires partnerships with more than 100 partners to file Form 1065, Schedule K-1, and related forms and schedules on magnetic media (electronically as prescribed by the IRS Commissioner). This legislative mandate applies to partnership returns for tax year ending December 31, 2000 and subsequent years.

Eligible participants for this program are:

Participants must submit an IRS e-file Application via e-services for Electronic/Magnetic Media filing of Business and Employee Benefit Plan Returns. See Pub 3112, IRS e-file Application and Participation, for additional information.

For additional information on 1065 MeF Program see Pub 4163, Modernized e-file (MeF) Information for Authorized IRS e-file Providers for Business Returns, and Pub 4164, Modernized e-file Guide for Software Developers and Transmitters.

Forms 1041, US Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts, are electronically received at the ECC-MEM and are processed by the Ogden Submission Processing Campus (OSPC).

Form 8453- FE, U.S. Estate Or Trust Declaration for an IRS e-file Return is the signature document for all Form 1041 e-filed returns. The Form 8453-FE should not be mailed to IRS. It will be included in the electronic return as a PDF.

An IRS e-file Application must be submitted electronically via e-services in order to participate in IRS e-file program.

Eligible participants for this program are:

This program is for filing Estate and Trust returns for both federal and state at the same time.

Any state that has a requirement to file both federal and state fiduciary returns may participate. (Currently New York is the only state participating.)

The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) allows individuals and businesses to make electronic deposits and payments for federal taxes such as Employment Taxes, Excise Taxes, Corporate Income Taxes and Form 1040 Estimated taxes.

Generally, businesses and individuals must enroll in the EFTPS program to participate. Taxpayers can visit https://www.eftps.gov/eftps/ to enroll in EFTPS and to obtain information on how to complete a payment, or they can call EFTPS Customer Service for assistance:

Participants make EFTPS payments by:

Businesses must use electronic funds transfer to make all federal tax deposits (such as deposits of employment tax, excise tax, and corporate tax). Form 8109 and Form 8109-B, Federal Tax Deposit Coupon, cannot be used as of December 31, 2010. If the participant does not want to use EFTPS, they can arrange for their tax professional, financial institution, payroll service, or other trusted Third-party to make deposits on their behalf.

Deposits made through EFTPS must be initiated by 8:00 p.m. ET one calendar day prior to the payment due date.

A Same Day Payment option is available through the Federal Tax Collection Service (FTCS) to businesses who cannot initiate a timely EFTPS payment. This option is not intended for ongoing use.

Taxpayers should contact their financial institution for information on availability, deadlines, and fees. Refer to IRM 3.17.277.2.4.8, Federal Tax Collection Service (FTCS) Payments (EFT # 23X) for availability of FTCS for individual taxpayers.

EFTPS is a free service of the U.S. Department of Treasury. However, taxpayers are encouraged to check with their authorized financial institutions for their costs, deadlines, and eligibility requirements associated with each payment method.

Use IDRS Command Code EFTPS to research payments made through EFTPS.

When a taxpayer inquires about the IRS deducting their electronic federal tax payment twice, CSRs must check IDRS for the EFT Trace Number for each payment. Then refer to the table in IRM 3.17.277.5.3(4), EFT Number, to determine the payment method(s) used by the taxpayer.

Individuals may electronically pay federal taxes, including the balance due on their current Form 1040 return, estimated taxes, and other tax types using the following methods:

Businesses may electronically pay federal taxes, including the balance due on certain returns, using the following methods:

The IRS website provides tax information to the public. Taxpayers may:

Taxpayers may access the IRS Internet website at: https://www.irs.gov/.

The website also offers information for tax practitioners, e.g., special advance notices and electronic filing information.

Taxpayers may research tax law issues by viewing Frequently Asked Questions, Publications, Tax Trials or Tax Topics.

To download (receive data from another computer into one's own computer) from the website, Adobe Acrobat Reader software is needed to view and print PDF files. This is the preferred format for viewing or printing IRS forms, instructions and publications.

Adobe Acrobat Reader is available free of charge from the IRS website https://www.irs.gov/help/downloading-and-printing, as well as other websites.

Advise callers needing technical assistance (not tax law) on downloading forms and publications from our website to contact the FEDWORLD Help Desk at (703) 487-4608.

Internet Refund/Fact of Filing (IRFOF) is an Internet application available through the IRS.gov home page, by clicking on "Where's my Refund." IRFOF is available in both English and Spanish.

Taxpayers obtain refund status information using the following: shared secrets, tax year, SSN, Filing Status and expected refund amount.

IRFOF provides refund status information consistent with, but not identical to the information provided by the Telephone-based applications. Special emphasis is placed on some exception conditions, freeze conditions and the Bureau of Fiscal Services (BFS) (formerly Financial Management Service (FMS)) Treasury Offset Program by providing detailed instructions and related information.

For more information, see IRM 21.4.1.6, Internet Refund Fact of Filing.

Get Transcript is an online ordering system for individual accounts, not business accounts, available through IRS.gov. The application provides two options: Get Transcript ONLINE and Get Transcript by MAIL. See IRM 21.2.3.3.2, Get Transcript through IRS.gov, for additional information.

E-Services is a suite of web-based products that provides tax professionals with electronic options for interacting with the IRS. For instructions on how to use E-Services and become an IRS e-file participant, and to learn the guidelines for using the Integrated Enterprise Portal (IEP), review the following:

IRS employees also use the e-Services product Transcript Delivery System via the Employee User Portal (EUP). IRS employees should seek help with OS GetServices or by calling 866-743-5748 when problems are encountered.

Tax professionals who are current e-Service users or are trying to enroll in e-Services but are experiencing difficulty should contact the Electronic Products and Services Support (EPSS) e-help Desk at 888-841-4648 between the hours of 7:30 AM and 7:00 PM EST for assistance.

The following is a list of products (key words) and some definitions to help with the terminology of e-Services:

The IRS has a free way for everyone to electronically prepare and file their "current tax year" individual federal tax returns. The program is called IRS Free File. It is available at https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free. IRS Free File software can also be used to electronically prepare and file Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. It is available at https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-everyone-can-file-an-extension-for-free.

There are two Free File options, offered through the IRS partnership with the Free File Alliance. Taxpayers can electronically prepare or file using either option for free.

IRS does not endorse any one Free File brand-name software product. The free file companies are IRS authorized e-file providers.

Here’s how IRS Free File works:

Some IRS Free File software partners may charge fees to electronically prepare and file a state tax return. For more information about state tax preparation and e-file including forms and fees, taxpayers must check the partner company’s website.

It is importance to note that to use IRS Free File tax preparation software, taxpayers must use the IRS Free File portal https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free and create an account using IRS Free File software.

ReferenceNet at, http://rnet.web.irs.gov/ contains current electronic research services. The electronic research tools enable IRS employees to research authoritative information materials, such as:

Current electronic tax research contracts contain tax law, advanced topics, news, business, information, and all items referenced other than basic tax law.

Access to each Electronic tax research tool requires a user ID and password by submitting an OL5081. Instructions for requesting access, as well as links to these tools are on ReferenceNet at http://rnet.web.irs.gov/.

Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHOH) callers who use the TTY/TDD equipment are instructed in Pub 17, Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals), to call toll-free, 800-829-4059, for assistance with tax law and account inquiries and/or to order forms and publications. Trained CSRs using dedicated terminals in the Atlanta, Dallas and/or Indianapolis call sites, answer both tax law and account calls through the TTY/TDD systems.

To contact IRS, DHOH callers may choose to use the Federal Relay Service (FRS), a state relay service or any other relay service, or any third-party assistant (friend or family).

If the taxpayer (through the relay operator) requests an ACS toll-free telephone number, or if the tax account is in a collection status, advise the relay assistant to call:

If the call is not tax account related, (i.e., general information or tax law), you may answer any/all questions and assist the taxpayer through any assistant.

If the call is tax account related, before providing tax account information, you must:

Online Payment Agreement (OPA) is an application on IRS.gov which allows individuals who owe $50,000 or less in aggregate assessed tax, penalties, and interest, to request a payment plan. Taxpayers who owe less than $100,000 in aggregate assessed tax, penalties, and interest can request a short term payment plan.

To access OPA, taxpayers may go to IRS.gov/paymentplans.

Using OPA, users can receive immediate notification of approval to establish payment plans on liabilities reported using the following forms:

OPA allows taxpayers or their authorized representative (Power of Attorney) to self-qualify and apply for agreements. Agreements completed through OPA will have an originator code of 82 or 83.

OPA offers users the ability to:

OPA offers the following types of monthly installment agreements:

OPA will also permit individuals to:

OPA cannot be used to:

The OPA application determines eligibility, filing compliance, and checks for excluding account conditions. The system verifies that the proposed payment meets the streamlined agreement criteria and provides a payment estimator tool to help determine a realistic payment amount.

Taxpayers are required to register and log in using Secure Access Digital Identity (SADI). See IRM 21.2.1.58.2, Secure Access Digital Identity (SADI) for registration requirements and information on taxpayers having difficulty registering.

Prior to the integration of SADI, taxpayers using OPA registered and logged in using Secure Access eAuthentication (see IRM 21.2.1.58.1, Secure Access eAuthentication).

Taxpayers who want to establish a pre-assessed agreement on a current tax year Form 1040 liability or individual shared responsibility payment prior to a notice being sent are requested to enter the balance they will owe, as shown on their Income Tax Return.

Taxpayers who want to establish a pre-assessed agreement after receiving notification of new assessment resulting from an examination audit, Automated Underreporter (AUR) or Automated Substitute for Return (ASFR) case are requested to enter the balance they will owe, as shown on their CP 2000 or Notice of Deficiency.

Powers of Attorney (POA) who have filed Form 2848 and are authorized to represent a taxpayer may use OPA on their client(s) behalf. To authorize, the POA must enter;

Powers of Attorney who wish to establish a pre-assessed agreement for their client(s) on a current tax year Form 1040 liability or individual shared responsibility payment prior to a notice being sent, are requested to enter the balance owed, as shown on their client’s Income Tax Return. Power of Attorneys who have filed Form 2848 with the IRS and are authorized to represent their client(s) (the taxpayer) are required to enter their client’s SSN or ITIN; if filing jointly, the spouse’s SSN or ITIN; the AGI from the client’s last year’s Income Tax Return; and their own CAF number. This information is used to ensure that the POA is authorized to represent their client in the OPA application.

POAs are allowed three attempts ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡ ≡

Transactions that do not post due to system/network problems (e.g., IDRS application down) or account conditions beyond design for the application will be captured in the OPA Management Action Report (MAR) and will be worked by designated personnel. In Cincinnati ACS and ACSS for SBSE. Atlanta ACSS for W&I ST 22/24cases, and Kansas City CSCO for W&I non-ACS cases. For more information, see IRM 5.19.1.6.8.1, OPA Management Action Reports (MAR).

Secure Access eAuthentication as outlined in IRM 21.2.1.58.1, is a rigorous identity-verification process that helps protect taxpayer data and IRS systems from automated cyber-attacks. Before accessing certain IRS online self-help tools, users must first register through Secure Access and authenticate their identities. Thereafter, each time registered users return to the tool, they must enter both their credentials (username and password) plus a security code sent via mobile phone text, Voice One Time Password (Voice OTP) or the IRS2Go app.

Secure Access Digital Identity (SADI) as outlined in IRM 21.2.1.58.2, is the next generation identity verification process that will replace Secure Access eAuthentication. Depending on the tool, SADI will become the sole authentication process but will run concurrently with Secure Access eAuthentication until all online tools make a transition by 2023.

Where’s My Amended Return (WMAR) is an Integrated Customer Communication Environment (ICCE) application, established March 18, 2013, to provide automated access to the processing status of Form 1040-X, US Amended Return. It is available in English and Spanish, and accessible by:

Taxpayers can track the status of their Form 1040-X for the current year and up to three prior years. They must wait three weeks after filing the form before using WMAR. Consistent messages are provided by the phone and web versions of WMAR.

Taxpayers authenticate by inputting the following information:

Once authenticated, taxpayers can find out the status of their Form 1040-X across the following three processing stages:

WMAR is designed to lock out taxpayer’s after three failed attempts to authenticate. The lock out period for three failed attempts is a 24-hour period.

The telephone WMAR application is designed to route taxpayers to a live assistor if Identity Theft or Date of Death indicators are located on the Integrated Data Retrieval System (IDRS). If the Online WMAR application identifies either of those indicators, it will provide a callback number with a specific three-digit extension.

The following Amended Tax Returns cannot be accessed using WMAR:

For more information, see IRM 21.5.3.3.1, Locating Amended Returns (Form 1040-X), and IRM 21.4.1.4, Refund Inquiry Response Procedures.

VanillaDirect is a new Cash Payment option available to taxpayers through https://www.irs.gov/Payments and participating retail stores. It is a secure walk up cash payment method that converts cash payments to electronic transactions. It utilizes a barcode and retail locations to complete the transactions.

This cash option is available at participating retail partner locations in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Some examples include:

VanillaDirect is a payment option for taxpayers who prefer to pay their taxes with cash.

VanillaDirect is available to IMF and BMF taxpayers.

ACI Payments, Inc., one of the payment processors, offers VanillaDirect as a payment option on their site. This can be accessed on the IRS.gov website by going to the "Pay" tab, or by entering the website address https://www.irs.gov/Payments, and selecting the "Cash -Through a retail partner and other methods" from "Other Ways You Can Pay" and selecting "retail partners" link on the Pay Your Taxes With Cash page.

VanillaDirect charges a service fee which is separate from tax obligations. The fee structure is $1.50 per transaction with a $500.00 payment limit and $1000.00 daily payment limit.

Taxpayers who want to pay their taxes with cash through the IRS VanillaDirect option should do the following:

Telephone assistors should encourage taxpayers inquiring about paying a balance to utilize IRM 21.2.1.62, Online Account or IRM 21.2.1.48.2, IRS Direct Pay as a quick and easy way to make payments towards their IMF balance. Assistors should encourage cash paying taxpayers to use the VanillaDirect option.

IRS VanillaDirect is available to IMF and BMF taxpayers. See IRM 21.2.1.48.5, Credit or Debit Card Payments (Pay by Phone or Internet) for form types available.

Please advise joint filers using VanillaDirect to complete the "Verify Identity" page using the primary filer's information, even if the taxpayer is making an estimated tax payment. This will ensure the payment is promptly applied to the balance due account.

IRS VanillaDirect is a self-help application, so the number of phone inquiries should be limited. For more information, see IRM 21.2.1.60.1, Responding to IRS VanillaDirect Inquiries.

The IRS has an ongoing partnership with the Department of Education (ED) to enhance the ability of financial aid applicants to obtain the necessary income verification items required to successfully complete financial aid forms. This IRM section is based upon internal stakeholder consensus and contains the procedures that should be followed by call site and Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) employees.

This IRM section incorporates interim guidance memorandum WI-21-0314-03, Interim Guidance on Department of Education (ED) Procedures, issued April 7, 2014.

Online Account is an online system that allows taxpayers to securely access their IMF account information through IRS.gov/account.

Online Account is currently offered only in English and includes balances on MFTs 29, 30, 31, 35, 55 and 65.

Access requires the taxpayer to verify their identity and pass a rigorous authentication process using Secure Access. See IRM 21.2.1.58, Secure Access, for more information.

The Profile Page allows taxpayers to view their contact information the IRS has on file. Taxpayers are provided information and links on how to update their name, mailing address, email, and passwords. In addition, taxpayers can manage their paperless or email notification preferences to opt-in/out of digital notices or sign up for email notifications for new account information or activity.

The Online Account application provides taxpayers access to the following via navigational tabs:

The Account Home page provides the taxpayer with an overview of their account along with links to other pages within the application. Taxpayers who have an existing Short-Term Payment Plan or Installment Agreement (active Status 60) will also see the status of their agreement. ,Additionally, taxpayers will see a Notifications box that will inform them of new features, any applicable pending authorizations and recently posted notices.

The Account Balance page allows the taxpayers to view:

The Payments tab provides a drop down to select the Payment Options page or Payment Activity page.

The Tax Records page allows taxpayers to view or obtain the following account related information:

The Notices and Letters page currently has seventeen specific CP Notices generating to taxpayers, available to them within their OLA; CP01A, CP05A, CP14, CP14H, CP14I, CP21A, CP32, CP39, CP49, CP60, CP62, CP501, CP508, CP521, CP563, CP621 (SP) and CP701S (SP). Taxpayers will have the ability to view, print, or download the notices in a PDF format within their Online Account. The notices will also continue to be printed and mailed to taxpayers. Additional notices will be added in future releases. The Notices and Letters page also provides a link to FAQs for more information about the notice.

The Authorizations page allows taxpayers to view, approve or reject POA or TIA authorizations sent to them online from the Tax Pro Application.

View how the Online Account application functions by visiting the Employee Demo site via SERP under Job Aids, Part 21, Chapter 2. This site contains simulated taxpayer accounts and explanations of the functionality and features taxpayers see.

Tax Pro Account is an online system, available to the public on July 18, 2021, that allows individual tax professionals to securely request third party authorizations for an individual taxpayer as power of attorney (POA) or tax information authorization (TIA), in lieu of filing a paper Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative, or Form 8821, Tax Information Authorization. The Tax Pro Account application does not have the full capability that the forms allow, as detailed below.

Access requires the tax professional to verify their identity and pass a rigorous authentication process using Secure Access, See IRM 21.2.1.58.1, Secure Access, for more information.

The system will be available Monday 6:00 a.m. to Saturday 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to midnight Eastern Time.

Tax Pro Account will allow a tax professional with an assigned Centralized Authorization File (CAF) number, who are in good standing, who have not been suspended or disbarred from practice before the IRS (per Circular 230, Tax Professionals), to complete a POA request, using the following designation levels:

The system will allow an individual with an assigned CAF number to complete a TIA request.

Authorizations for POA and TIA may be requested from tax year 2001 through the current year, plus three additional years. For 2021 authorizations may be requested for 2001-2025. If the tax professional requires authorization for tax year 2000 and prior, they must submit their request to the CAF unit on a Form 2848 or Form 8821.

Submission of a new request for authorization via Tax Pro Account will replace any prior or existing authorization, of the same authorization type (Tax Pro POA, Tax Pro TIA, Form 2848 or Form 8821) on the taxpayer’s account for the tax period(s) and tax matter(s) requested, as shown in the Form 2848 or Form 8821 instructions. This is the same process used for Form 2848, unless line 6 (line 5 on Form 8821) is complete and there is no ability to use line 6 functionality in Tax Pro Account.

To complete a request for authorization using Tax Pro Account, the tax professional will need the following information:

Tax Pro Account does not support the following functionality:

All entries into this application will have a validation that the formatting and type of entry is correct. Fields will only accept applicable information for that field, such as the CAF number field will only accept numbers and a dash (-).

When the professional enters their information, in Step 1, it will be verified for accuracy against IRS records. If it’s incorrect, it will not pass validation and the professional will be given an error message and the opportunity to correct their entry. If the entry is not corrected, the tax professional will not be able to continue to Step 2.

The taxpayer’s information will be accepted in Step 2, without validation against IRS records to prevent any response being used as phishing for taxpayer data. If the taxpayer’s information matches IRS records the request will be sent to the taxpayer’s online account., (OLA) at http://www.irs.gov/account for their approval or rejection. See IRM 21.2.1.62 for additional information about Online Account. If the taxpayer’s information does not match IRS records, the request will remain in the Tax Pro’s account and not be forwarded to the taxpayer. The tax professional will have the ability to cancel the request.

In Step 3 the tax professional will enter the tax periods and tax matters and indicate whether they wish to receive notices and communications the IRS sends to the taxpayer.

Currently Tax Pro Account supports the following Tax Matters:

Step 4 is where the tax professional will have the ability to review, edit and submit the request. They must check the boxes to select the information in the Declaration of Representative. They must enter their credentials and electronically sign the request.

Upon completion of the authorization the tax professional will submit the request, Step 4, and if successfully submitted, they will receive a confirmation of submission. Step 2 information may not be accurate, and the authorization may not have been sent to the taxpayer. See (12) above. The tax professional can cancel this request, if the taxpayer never takes action on it or does not receive it. Once the taxpayer approves or rejects this request, the tax professional can no longer cancel it. The "Next Steps" in Tax Pro Account advises the tax professional to contact the taxpayer and request they access OLA to review and electronically sign the request.

If the taxpayer’s information is accurate, the taxpayer will receive a notification within their online account letting them know they have a new authorization. If they have opted into email notifications, they will receive an email to log into their online account. This will allow the taxpayer to act on the authorization in a timely manner.

If the authorization request is approved by the taxpayer and processed into the CAF database, the authorization will show on the tax professional’s Authorization list as Approved. If the tax professional has opted in for email notifications (in their profile), they will receive an email to log into their Tax Pro Account and be able to see the approved authorization in a timely manner.

If the taxpayer rejects the request or if it fails to write to CAF, it will be removed from the tax professional’s Authorizations list and they will not be able to view the status.

If the taxpayer approves the request and it goes into a "processing" status, meaning it will attempt to be processed in the next two days, it will be removed from the tax professional’s list. The item will be removed from their list because the tax professional can no longer cancel it. If this authorization is later processed to the CAF database, it will show in the tax professional’s Authorizations table as Approved. The tax professional should contact the taxpayer regarding any questions or concerns as they apply to the status of a request that the professional can’t view.

The tax professional may print a copy for their records by selecting the print button on the approved authorization.

Tax Pro Account does not allow for withdraw or revoke, at this time. Cancel is not the same as withdraw. Cancel is the functionality used for the tax professional to delete or remove a request they have initiated for the taxpayer to sign. Once signed and processed, the request must follow the same revoke or withdraw guidelines as a paper Form 2848 or Form 8821. The person wanting to revoke or withdraw must print a copy of the authorization and submit it following the Form 2848 or Form 8821 instructions for revoke or withdraw.

Multiple Representatives:

Tax Pro Account and Online Account will both remove any authorizations that have not been approved and processed after 120 days. Any authorizations that have been approved will continue to live in OLA. This does not make them active. Tax Pro authorization are processed to CAF the same as paper. If a newer authorization has over-written or revoked a Tax Pro initiated and approved authorization, they will continue to show in OLA and Tax Pro even though they have been overwritten in the CAF database. What’s shown in Tax Pro and OLA is a point in time submission but may not be the newest or most current authorization on file.

Tax Professionals may also start a new authorization in Tax Pro and not finish it in a single session. They can save these authorizations as “Draft” and revisit them later. The professional must correctly submit all step 1 information as well as the name in step 2 before they save the draft. They will be able to revisit that authorization in a later session by selecting the name from the Authorizations list and verify the information, starting at step 1.

A unique Source Document Locator Number (SDLN) showing "92" or "93" in field 7 and 8 will denote the systemic input of the authorizations within the Tax Pro Account.

There will be a unique 10 digit number reflected in the employee number field that indicates the request was submitted by the Tax Pro Account application. This number will start with "92" or "93" and will be used to associate the CAF record with the electronic signature stored in the Electronic Storage and Retrieval service (ESSAR).

Tax Pro Account is not an e-Services product and is not supported by the EPSS Help Desk. Only refer Tax Professionals to the EPSS Help Desk when they receive a CP301 notice and they indicate they did not create a Tax Pro Account. You may refer the tax professional to the information at www.irs.gov/taxproaccount.

View how the Tax Pro Account application functions by visiting the Employee Demo site for Tax Pro Account via SERP under Job Aids, Part 21, Chapter 2. This site contains simulated taxpayer scenarios and descriptions of the account functionality. View how the Online Account application functions by visiting the Employee Demo site for OLA site via SERP under Job Aids, Part 21, Chapter 2. This site contains simulated taxpayer accounts and explanations of the functionality and features taxpayers see.