EF Atlas

Getting Started

To file tax returns electronically, you must have an Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) issued by the IRS and you need to be able to connect to the Internet from the computer on which your ProSeries tax software is installed. Below are links and additional information that you may find helpful.

Existing E-Filers

• If you already have an EFIN you do not need to reapply each tax season, but it is important that the IRS has up-to-date information and you verify your IRS e-file provider status.
  • Reminder, if you have an EFIN for e-filing 1040 tax returns and will also be e-filing 1120, 1120S, 1065, or 990 tax returns, you will need to revise your Form 8633. You can revise your application on the IRS Web site.
  • The IRS will no longer issue credentials in the form of the annual letters for continued participation in IRS e-file. Instead, you may confirm your IRS e-file provider status by viewing the summary page of your e-file application online. For more information, visit the IRS Web site.

New E-Filers

• Our ProSeries Electronic Filing software is included with our ProSeries tax software at no additional charge. However, transmission fees apply.
• All ProSeries users must have an EFIN to e-file tax returns. (The EFIN is a six digit number assigned by the IRS.)
  • To receive an EFIN, you must register with the IRS by completing Form 8633, Application to Participate in the IRS e-file Program, at least 45 days before you want to start e-filing returns.
  • Register online using e-services on the IRS Web site.
• All state taxing authorities require acceptance into the IRS federal e-file program prior to e-filing state returns.
  • Most state taxing authorities automatically accept e-filers that have been accepted to participate in the federal e-filing program. But a few state taxing authorities have different types of e-file registration requirements.
  • View state registration requirements.

Bank Products Users

• If you wish to offer bank products, you need to enroll/register with Refund Advantage or Santa Barbara Tax Products Group, LLC (SBTPG) each tax season.
• Refund Advantage - If you need to contact Refund Advantage, please visit their Web site at www.refund-advantage.com or call 800-967-4934. Below are links for additional information you may find helpful:
• Setting up ProSeries to Offer Bank Products Through Refund Advantage
• Refund Advantage - ProSeries Software Interface Guide (SIG)
• Refund Advantage - ProSeries Basic Software Interface Guide (SIG)
• SBTPG - If you need to contact Santa Barbara Tax Products Group, LLC (SBTPG, please visit their Web site at https://cisc.sbbtral.com or call 800-779-7228. Below are links for additional information you may find helpful:
  • Enrolling and Registering with Santa Barbara Tax Products Group for Tax Year 2009
  • Letters Regarding Santa Barbara Tax Products Group, LLC, (SBTPG)
  • Latest SBTPG Updates

Quick Links

• Search our Knowledge Base to find answers to the latest support issues and frequently asked questions.
• View our newsletters which include information about current issues, top topics, helpful tips and much more.
• Visit our Online Community and connect with other ProSeries users and tax professionals to ask questions and find answers.
• Visit TaxAlmanac a free, online research tool for tax professionals.
• View IRS Publication 1345 on the IRS Web site. Publication 1345, Handbook for Authorized IRS e-file Providers of Individual Income Tax Returns, contains requirements for participating in the IRS e-file program.
• View IRS Publication 3112 on the IRS Web site. Publication 3112, IRS e-file Application and Participation, contains information and guidelines regarding the e-file application process.
• Visit e-file for tax professionals on the IRS Web site.
• View the IRS e-file refund cycle chart on the IRS Web site.
• Find links to state Web sites.