We are sending our partners a final reminder regarding the upcoming August 15 postmark deadline for the submission of fingerprint cards to the IRS when applying for an EFIN.  After August 15, there will be a down period when no action can be taken until IRS activates their new digital fingerprint process on September 25.  

Please refer to our original communication provided below for more details and remember: 

• If you already have a valid EFIN (or need an additional EFIN) and there have been no changes to your Principal or Responsible Official(s) listed on your existing EFIN application already on file at IRS e-Services, no action on your part is required.   ​​​​​

Thank You,

Your Partner Support Team 

Copy of Partner Communication Sent July 27, 2022: 

Partner Support is sharing two important IRS process changes that impact tax professionals. We encourage you to carefully read the highlights below and access the IRS.gov links provided for more details, instructions and requirements for maintaining your EFIN. If applicable to your business, be sure to take action now to avoid any possible disruption later.

• IRS Quick Alert: New e-File Application Fingerprinting Process Implemented 

Beginning September 25, 2022, the IRS will implement a new electronic fingerprinting process for tax professional e-file applicants. The new fingerprinting process is a part of the IRS’s overall effort to improve its tax professionals’ authentication processes and enhance the cyber security of tax professionals and their taxpayer client data as they increasingly use IRS webpages and online tools on behalf of their taxpayer clients.

Individuals will now be required to use the IRS authorized vendor for fingerprinting. Each new Principal and Responsible Official listed on a new e-file application or added to an existing application needing fingerprints, must schedule an appointment with the IRS authorized vendor. 

Important! The cutoff date to mail paper fingerprint cards (Form FD-258) to the IRS is August 15, 2022. Fingerprint cards must be postmarked by August 15, 2022, and the application must be submitted prior to mailing the fingerprint cards. There will be a down period between August 15 and September 25 when no action can be taken.

​​​​​The IRS will not process fingerprint cards postmarked after August 15, 2022. Customers needing fingerprints will need to wait until September 25, 2022, to schedule an electronic fingerprinting appointment. On September 25, 2022, you can schedule your appointment by accessing the scheduling link located on the e-file application summary page.

​Instructions for scheduling an appointment will be provided upon submitting an e-file application and on IRS.gov. The IRS will provide additional information about the new fingerprinting process on September 25, 2022. Please continue to check the Become an Authorized e-file Provider webpage for the most up-to-date information.

EFIN Resources and Reminders: 

• Important Reminder! Your e-file application must be updated within 30 days of any changes such as individuals involved, addresses or telephone numbers. Failure to do so may result in the inactivation of your EFIN. Ensuring proper individuals are identified on the application, and updating as necessary.

Refer to the following IRS Publication for a refresher and/or to obtain more details and information regarding applying for and maintaining your EFIN: IRS Pub 3112 – IRS e-File Application and Participation. Notifying the IRS of changes to your existing EFIN and revisions that require resubmission of an EFIN application can be found on Pages 11-12.