1. Support
  2. TaxSlayer Pro Desktop
  3. Configuration

Desktop: How To Update Your EFIN

After the IRS issues you a new EFIN, your first step is to notify TaxSlayer Pro by sending a PDF copy of the IRS EFIN Application Summary from your IRS e-Services Account to prodocs@taxslayer.com. 

Next, you will need to update TaxSlayer Pro configuration. If you have any returns that are marked for e-file that haven't been e-filed yet, they too will need to be updated with the new EFIN.

Note: Don't transmit any returns until you've received confirmation from us that we have updated our systems with the new EFIN.

Changes to Configuration

1. Transmitters EFIN. From the Quick Menu of TaxSlayer Pro select:

  • Configuration
  • Electronic Filing / Bank Setup
  • Transmitters EFIN

2. ERO Information. From the Quick Menu of TaxSlayer Pro select:

  • Configuration
  • Firm / ERO / Preparer Setup
  • ERO(s) Menu - double-click the EFIN that's obsolete (or single-click and click Edit) and enter the new EFIN under Firm EFIN.

3. Firm Information. From the Quick Menu of TaxSlayer Pro select:

  • Configuration
  • Firm / ERO / Preparer Setup
  • Firm Information
  • Firm EFIN

After exiting the Firm Information menu you will be queried, "Do You Want to Replace All Preparer Information with the Firm Information that was Just Entered?", and you will choose either Yes or No:

  • Yes - Answering Yes is usually correct, as doing so updates all preparer records with the same firm information (firm name, address, phone, fax, EFIN, and the firm's EIN). If all of the preparers have or should have the same firm information in their records, Yes is the appropriate answer and will ensure everyone's information is up to date.
  • No - Choose No in the unusual situation where one or more preparers have different firm information specified in their preparer record. Choosing No will preserve each preparer's existing firm information, including the EFIN, so if you answer No you'll need to individually edit each preparer's record to update the EFIN.

4. Preparer Information.

If you chose Yes in the previous step, you can skip this step.

If you chose No in the previous step, you'll need to update each preparer's EFIN manually. From the Quick Menu of TaxSlayer Pro select:

  • Configuration
  • Firm / ERO / Preparer Setup
  • Preparer(s) Menu - Double-click a preparer record (or single-click the preparer record, then click Edit).
  • Change Firm Information - Select and answer No to the question about changing all firm information.
  • EFIN - Select and enter the new EFIN.

After updating the EFIN in Configuration in the above places, you will also need to update the EFIN in any return that ...

  • is marked for electronic filing but hasn't yet been transmitted, or
  • has been transmitted and is going to be amended and e-filed again, or
  • has a federal return that's been transmitted but the state return hasn't been transmitted.

Note: If the preparer information looks incorrect in the return, refresh the preparer code (in Personal Information in individual returns or Heading Information in business returns). Doing so will pull in the up-to-date preparer information.

Change in the tax return

Individual return. From the Main Menu of the tax return select:

  • Mark Return Electronic
  • Other E-File Information
  • EFIN - Select this line and the EFIN will automatically update with the new Transmitter EFIN in Configuration. 

Corporation return (Form 1120)
S Corporation return (Form 1120-S)
Partnership return (Form 1065)
Exempt Organization return (Form 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T). From the Main Menu of the tax return select:

  • Mark Return Electronic
  • Other Information
  • EFIN - Select this line and the EFIN will automatically update with the new Transmitter EFIN in Configuration.

Estate and Trust return (Form 1041). From the Main Menu of the tax return select:

  • Mark Return Electronic
  • EFIN - Select this line and the EFIN will automatically update with the new Transmitter EFIN in Configuration.

Troubleshooting Electronic Filing

If you are attempting to transmit one or more returns and upon clicking the Transmit button are told:

Transmitter's EFIN does not match EFIN associated with the Returns

Return to the transmission table and for each return listed examine its EFIN. You will find one or more returns that need to be updated with the new EFIN. Follow the steps above under "Change in the tax return" for each return that needs to be updated.