TAX NEWS - January 2010

IRS: Another Option to Verify Identities for Electronic Filing - ADDENDUM

Verification of taxpayer's identities is a vital part of the e-file signature process. For authentication, taxpayers need to include their prior year original adjusted gross income or their prior year self-select PIN when e-filing their tax returns.
 
Beginning Jan. 18, taxpayers who do not have a record of their prior year tax information can benefit from the Electronic Filing PIN Help Application. The electronic filing PIN is an additional option for taxpayers to verify their identities this filing season. 
 
Electronic filing PIN requests are just for taxpayers who do not have a record of their prior year tax information. The EFP is a temporary PIN used to verify taxpayer's identities when e-filing 2009 tax returns, extensions with payments, and installment agreements.
 
Anyone who filed a Form 1040, Form 1040A, Form 1040EZ or Form 1040-SS (PR) for tax year 2008 that was processed by December 13, 2009, is eligible to request an Electronic Filing PIN. 
 
When requesting an electronic filing PIN there are three options available beginning Jan. 18, for taxpayers who do not have their prior year AGI or SSP. 
 

Tax Preparation Software Programs

The best option is to link to the EFP Help application through the tax preparation software. These programs will contain a link to the EFP Help landing page if the prior year AGI or SSP are not available.
 

Online through IRS.gov

Go to IRS.gov and find the link to the EFP Help landing page within certain e-file Web pages and follow the instructions.
 

Telephone

The third option is to call the IRS Toll Free number 1-866-704-7388 and follow the automated system instructions.