1. Support
  2. IRS Information / Preparer Information
  3. Information for Tax Return Preparers

Pre-Season Tax Office Checklist

Client Materials

  • Prepare and mail organizers for prior year clients
  • Prepare letters, coupons, and any other items to be mailed to clients
  • Preseason scheduling
  • Develop a marketing strategy

IRS

  • Apply for new EFIN(s) if necessary, e.g., additional locations or this is a new tax prep business.

If your EFIN is changing, please email a copy of your EFIN e-File Application Summary (EAS) to prodocs@taxslayer.com, informing us of the change and including the old EFIN, the new EFIN, and the reason for the change.

You may also see at the top of your Account Hub in the "Action items" a blue button labeled "Complete EFIN Verification". As an alternative to e-mailing a copy of the EAS, you can select this button to upload a PDF copy.

If you have questions, don't hesitate to contact our sales department directly at 888.420.1040.

  • Renew PTIN. This is an IRS annual requirement.
  • If your IRS Tracking Number hasn't already been entered in the company information in your Account Hub, you can obtain the number from IRS e-Services.

Your State

Familiarize yourself with:

  • State e-filing mandates.
  • Your state’s requirements for bank products.
  • Requirements for filing extensions.
  • Requirements for filing business returns if you are preparing those.
  • State tax law changes for the upcoming year.

Getting Ready for the New Season

  • Purchase TaxSlayer Pro software for the new year.
  • Verify your firm info in Account Hub, updating it as needed.
  • First year customers: Contact Sales to complete a conversion agreement if needed.
  • First year customers: Your prior year data may be convertible to be pulled into the current year of TaxSlayer Pro desktop or ProWeb. See here for desktop information. See here for ProWeb information.
  • Purchase the TaxBook WebLibrary for use with the TaxSlayer Pro software.
  • In your web browser, bookmark the TaxSlayer Pro Blog here. It's a great resource for helpful and timely information.

Account Hub

  • Familiarize yourself with all bank products and related bank fees.
  • Familiarize yourself with partner products; some can be offered even if you're not offering bank products.
  • Complete all the tasks in the red "Action items" section at the top of the Account Hub home page. This includes tasks such as signing the software agreements and privacy policy, completing a bank application or opting out of offering bank products, and uploading a PDF copy of your EFIN application summary from the IRS.
  • Pro Premium and ProWeb customers: Set up the TaxesToGo mobile app. Once it's been set up, note the referral link. You can send this link to your customers as well as post it on your website or social media page.

Office and Computer Equipment

  • Run Windows Updates on all computers to ensure all security updates and service packs are installed. Note that if your computer's operating system is no longer supported by Microsoft, we can only provide minimal technical support. See our knowledgebase article here for more info.
  • If they have expired, renew subscriptions to security software. Exclusions for TaxSlayer Pro may need to be set.
  • Test printers. If you print to PDF first, then to paper, does the PDF open?
  • If you use a network printer, ensure all computers can print to it.
  • Order office supplies such as paper and toner. Have extra toner on hand.
  • Pro Premium and ProWeb users: If you use a document scanner, test it to ensure it's working okay. If you're using a signature pad, test it to ensure signatures can be saved to returns.
  • Test internet connection for speed and reliability. Wired is typically better than wireless in terms of both speed and stability.
  • Train employees on computer policies and equipment use.

IRS

  • Familiarize yourself with tax law changes, including current phase out limits.
  • Know the EITC Compliance Requirements.

Bank Products, if using

  • Ensure your bank application is approved.
  • Log in to the bank's website, learn where things are such as reports and check printing.
  • Complete bank compliance requirements as needed.
  • Order check stock and card stock from the bank.
  • Print a test check, ensuring the print is aligned.

TaxSlayer Pro Desktop software

  • Back up the TaxSlayer folder to removable media, such as a thumb drive or portable hard drive. This can be done by dragging and dropping the folder in Windows File Explorer, or you can use the backup utility in TaxSlayer Pro. See our knowledgebase article here for more info.
  • Compare our minimum and recommended system requirements here against your computer hardware and upgrade computers as needed. If you do purchase a new computer, contact TaxSlayer Pro support to schedule one of our technical support representatives to assist with data migration.
  • Check the C drive on your computers, which is typically where TaxSlayer Pro is installed, to ensure you're not running out of space.
  • Ensure all preparers have been added in Configuration and that their assigned security role is appropriate. Ensure their mobile number and e-mail address have been entered for MFA purposes.
  • Review your fees in the Fee Setup Menu under Configuration.
  • Indicate the bank you are using or that you're not using a bank in the Bank Setup menu under Configuration.
  • Premium users: Configure Premium Options:
    • PaperCut Paperless Office.
    • Email configuration.
    • Signature pad, if using.
    • Twilio text messaging, if using.
  • Train employees on how to use TaxSlayer Pro.
  • Explore the TaxSlayer Pro Knowledgebase and, if purchased, The Tax Book.
  • Create practice returns. Samples can be found on our website here.
    • Transmit practice returns to ensure your computer is communicating with TaxSlayer Pro.
  • Download and install all federal and state updates for each prior year program, to ensure they are up to date when needed.

TaxSlayer Pro Desktop networking, if using

For best results and an easier installation, your office network should be set up prior to installing TaxSlayer Pro. This should be completed by your local IT Technician/Professional.

  • If possible, hardwire all computers to the network to ensure a stable and secure connection.
  • Read our knowledgebase article here on networking TaxSlayer Pro. If you need assistance, contact us. (Note that you don't have to wait for the current or upcoming year's software to get prior year TaxSlayer Pro programs installed and networked. Getting prior years configured and working properly will make installation of the current or upcoming year's software easier.)

TaxSlayer ProWeb software

  • Update information in Account Hub, including the IRS Tracking Number.
  • First-year customers: Convert any data from prior year to TaxSlayer Pro.
    • Contact Sales to complete the conversion agreement.
    • Convert prior year data in Account Hub.
  • Update ProWeb Configuration
    • Review Office Setup and ERO Setup and make any changes needed.
    • Add preparers and review existing preparers, ensuring all information is up to date.
    • In Roles and Permissions, review the existing roles and evaluate if any new roles need to be created. Review each preparer's role to ensure they have the appropriate permissions.
    • Determine your fee structure and set up fees in the Fee Setup Menu.
  • Upgrade computers as needed and update browser software.
  • Run Windows Updates to ensure all operating system security updates and service packs are installed on all computers
  • Become familiar with program changes and enhancements.
  • Explore the TaxSlayer Pro Knowledgebase and, if purchased, The Tax Book.
  • Train staff to use and navigate TaxSlayer ProWeb software.

  • Create practice returns. Samples can be found on our website here.