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📚 What This Guide Covers

Learn what an IRS "Invalid EFIN..." message means when batching returns for transmission, and what to do to resolve it.

🔍 What’s happening

You may have an On-Line Tax Preparation EFIN that begins with 10, 21, 32, 44, or 53. These EFINs are assigned for On-Line Tax Preparation, not for e-filing.

On-Line Preparation is where an ERO inputs returns on an Internet-based program, or files the return using software that is designated as On-Line Preparation (such as TurboTax). This is different from the software that SureFire provides.

Question 2d of IRS Form 8633 asks whether you will transmit individual or business income tax return information prepared by a taxpayer using commercially purchased software or software you provide through an on-line Internet site (On-line Provider).

Which means an On-Line Filer should not be chosen unless you intend to allow taxpayers to self-prepare returns by entering return data directly on commercially available software, software downloaded from an Internet site and prepared off-line, or through an online Internet site. Taxpayers using the Internet to file their tax returns may also be filing through an ERO.

If you answered YES to this question, you were issued an On-Line EFIN.

❌ How to fix it

To resolve this problem, you need to contact the IRS Service Center for correction. You can also revise your Form 8633 through the IRS e-Services page, at http://www.irs.gov/taxpros/article/0,,id=109646,00.html. The IRS will then issue a new EFIN to you.

No matter what method you choose, you need a new EFIN. After revising the Form 8633 online, you can call the IRS Service Center at 866-255-0654 to make sure the problem is fixed.

IRS e-Help Desk personnel can drop the On-Line EFIN and add you back as an ERO.

📞 Still Need Help?

If you are having trouble, contact our support team:

Phone: 1-800-516-9442

Or submit a support ticket