The state of Illinois requires that a tax return prepared by a paid preparer include in the return's signature block either the tax preparation firm's 9-digit federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) or indication that the preparer is self-employed. If both of these items are missing, the electronically filed return will reject:
Reject Code: ILHEADER-2400-5 | Category: Incorrect Data | Severity: Error
Paid Preparer Firm FEIN (PreparerFirmEIN or MissingEINReasonCd) must be present when PreparerPersonNm is present and SelfEmployedInd checkbox is blank.
To resolve this reject, you'll need to update your information in the TaxSlayer Pro preparer configuration to indicate one or both of those items, and then update the tax return with the new information.
If you have an EIN, follow the steps in the section below to update preparer configuration with the EIN. If you don't have an EIN, skip the EIN steps and follow the steps to indicate that you are self-employed.
Updating all preparer records with the firm's EIN
From the Quick Menu of TaxSlayer Pro select:
- Configuration
- Firm / ERO / Preparer Setup
- Firm Information
- Employer ID Number- Enter the 9-digit EIN if it's not there.
- Exit
After exiting the Firm Information Menu you'll be asked "Do You Want to Replace All Preparer Information with the Firm Information that was Just Entered?". Answer YES.
After following the above steps, all preparer records will have been updated with the firm's information, including the EIN.
Updating a preparer record to indicate they are self-employed
From the Quick Menu of TaxSlayer Pro select:
- Configuration
- Firm / ERO / Preparer Setup
- Preparer(s) Menu - Select your preparer record, then click Edit.
- Self Employment Indicator - Select this menu line and answer YES to the question.
Updating the tax return with the new information
From the Main Menu of the federal individual tax return select:
- Personal Information
- Preparer - Select and press Enter.
This simple procedure updates the preparer information in the return with the what is currently specified in the program configuration.
Finally, open the Illinois tax return so the new information can flow into it. You can then exit the return completely and e-file the Illinois return "state only".
Additional Information: