Earlier this month, the IRS announced a new IRS e-Services initiative referred to as "Secure Access". We blogged about this initiative here. On the 14th, the IRS sent out the following update: In the next few weeks, the IRS plans to have discussions with key stakeholders affected by the e-services changes to discuss security protocols [...]
In an ongoing effort to combat tax identity theft, the IRS is moving all e-Service accounts to two-factor authentication on or after October 24, 2016. They have been strengthening their identity authentication process for other IRS.gov self-help tools. They refer to this process as “Secure Access”, and the intent is to help protect tax professionals, [...]
The IRS is sending an email to approximately 434,000 non-credentialed tax return preparers this week. The message promotes the Enrolled Agent (EA) and Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) credentials. The text of the IRS email: Dear Tax Return Preparer, Set yourself APART! Participate in the Annual Filing Season Program. The voluntary program is for non-credentialed return [...]
According to the Department of Justice, Identity theft refers to all types of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person's personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain. Unlike fingerprints, which are unique and cannot be given to someone else for their use, personal data [...]
What does representation before the IRS mean? While representation rights have been around for a while, we've only recently started fielding calls from tax preparers asking this question. This is a result of the IRS' new Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP). Representation, or Practice Before the IRS, is defined in IRS Publication 947 and covers [...]
Once you complete all Continuing Education requirements and renewal of your PTIN you will need to login to your PTIN account and complete the process. The final step is for you to consent to adhere to specific practice obligations outlined in Subpart B and section 10.51 of Treasury Department Circular 230. Note: It may [...]
