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IRS presents

IRS e-file experts
Filing your return with Authorized IRS e-file Providers

March 29, 2001

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IRS: Want to e-file your own tax return? For the next hour, ask the IRS experts how to work with an Authorized IRS e-file Provider to file your tax return. It's the easy, accurate and secure way to file. Welcome to the chat! Pat and Jim are our IRS e-file experts today, ready to answer your questions.

Pat-IRS: Welcome to the second in a series of chats on IRS e-file. Please feel free to ask questions and we'll be happy and waiting to answer for you.

Jim-IRS: I just want to say hi! And let's go.

Whozat: What is an 'Authorized IRS e-file Provider'?

Pat-IRS And Jim-IRS: An authorized IRS e-file Provider is a tax professional or firm who is accepted in the IRS electronic filing program. One type of Authorized IRS e-file Provider is an Electronic Return Originator (ERO). An ERO is a person or firm that taxpayers entrust with tax information for the purpose of preparing and filing income tax returns electronically to the IRS.

Guitar Papa: How does IRS e-file work?

Pat-IRS And Jim-IRS: Ask your tax professional to file your return through IRS e-file. In many cases, the tax professional, an Electronic Return Originator (ERO), is authorized to file your return electronically to the IRS. Once prepared, sign your electronic tax return by either using a Self-Select PIN for e-file for a completely paperless return, or by signing Form 8453, U.S. Individual Income Tax Declaration for an IRS e-file Return. After you sign the return using a Self-Select PIN or Form 8453, the ERO transmits the return to the IRS or to a third-party transmitter who then forwards the entire electronic record to the IRS for processing. Once received at the IRS, the return is automatically checked by computers for errors and missing information. If it cannot be processed, it is sent back to the originating transmitter (usually the ERO) to clarify any necessary information. After correction, the transmitter re-transmits the return to the IRS. Within 48 hours (two workdays) of transmission, the IRS sends an acknowledgement to the transmitter stating the return is accepted for processing. This is your proof of filing and assurance that the IRS has your return information. The ERO then sends Form 8453 to the IRS.

Mandible92: Who offers IRS e-file services?

Jim-IRS And Pat-IRS: Many tax professionals offer IRS e-file to their clients. To find a tax professional to file your return electronically, go to the IRS website at www.irs.gov and look for an "Authorized IRS e-file Provider" that meets your needs. Also, look for the "Authorized IRS e-file Provider" sign or decal in storefront windows.

Rodrigo Z: What does IRS e-file cost? Is there a fee?

Pat-IRS And Jim-IRS: The IRS does not charge a fee for electronic filing. Some Authorized IRS e-file Providers (EROs) charge a fee for providing this service to their clients, while others may offer it free of charge. However, this fee cannot be based on any figure from the tax return. Fees vary depending upon the tax professional you choose and the specific services you request. With IRS e-file you can prepare your own return and pay a professional only to transmit it electronically, or you can pay to have your return both prepared and transmitted. Whichever you choose, shop around for a tax professional who offers the services you need at an acceptable cost to you.

Filed To The Bone: How will I know that the IRS really got my return?

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