The whole process of becoming e-file provider takes 45 days in total soo better one has to initiate the process straightaway. From 2012 it will become compulsory for most of the tax preparer which is 11 tax return or more but this is year any preparer who is preparing more than 100 will have to get E-services account.

Congress recently approved a federal e-file mandate for tax return preparers, based on recommendations from the IRS, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and the Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Council. The requirement will be phased in over two years. As a result of the new rules, preparers will be required to start using IRS e-file beginning:

• January 1, 2011— for those of you who anticipate preparing 100 or more federal individual or trust tax returns during the year; or
• January 1, 2012— for those of you who anticipate preparing 11 or more federal individual or trust tax returns during the year.

You must be an authorized e-file provider to use IRS e-file. The authorization process can take 45 days or more, so apply now to make sure you will be ready in January.

It involves 3 phases:

Phase 1: Create an IRS e-Services Account
Phase 2: Submit Your Application
Phase 3: Pass a Suitability Check

Before you begin the online e-file application, you must have an IRS e-Services account, which facilitates electronic interaction with the IRS. When you apply for an e-Services account, you will need to:

• Provide your legal name, Social Security Number (SSN), birth date, phone number, e-mail address AND your home mailing address (confirmation of your account will be mailed to you);
• Provide your Adjusted Gross Income from the current or prior tax year;
• Create a username, a password and a PIN, and provide an answer to a reminder question for your username;
• Make sure that every principal and responsible official in your firm signs up for e-Services; and
• Return to e-Services to confirm your registration within 28 days of receiving your confirmation code in the mail.

Phase 2: Submit Your Application to Become an Authorized
IRS e-file Provider

Your firm can begin the application to become an Authorized IRS e-file Provider once all principals are approved for e-Services. The application process is not simple; however, the complexity is necessary to protect the integrity and security of the electronic filing system. Some of the key steps of the application process are listed below:

• Log in to e-Services and access the online application to become an IRS e-file provider;
• Select your e-file provider option — return preparers who want to e-file for a client should select Electronic Return Originator (ERO);
• Enter identification information for your firm, as well as services provided to taxpayers;
• Enter the name, home address, SSN, birth date and citizenship status for each principal and responsible official in your organization; and
• Mail the IRS proof of current professional status if the principal or responsible official is an attorney, certified public accountant, or enrolled agent; or
• Call the IRS toll free at 866-255-0654 to request a fingerprint card for any principal or responsible official who is not an attorney, certified public accountant or enrolled agent; and
• Get fingerprinted by a trained professional at your local police station or at a company that provides this service; then
• Mail the signed and completed card to the IRS.

The e-file application process is comprehensive, designed to allow you to save your data during the session and to return to the application when convenient. Plan accordingly since the IRS may take up to 45 days to approve an Authorized IRS e-file Provider application.

Phase 3: Pass a Suitability Check

After you submit your application and related documents, the IRS will conduct a suitability check on the firm and each person listed on your application as either a principal or responsible official. This may include: a credit check; a tax compliance check; a criminal background check; and a check for prior non-compliance with IRS e-file requirements. Once approved, you will get an acceptance letter from the IRS with your Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN).

Source : IRS

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