Electronic Return Originators(ERO) Due Diligence requirements.

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Electronic Return Originators(ERO) Due Diligence requirements.

Having been an ERO since 1994, it’s been a while since I have looked at Publication 1345 Handbook for Authorized IRS e-file Providers of Individual Income Tax Returns Publication 1345. IRS updated the publication in 2022, so it was worth a look.

Some of the important issues are outlined below.

1. Please check the accuracy of your current information in your e-services account. We are required to update our account information within 30 days if there is a change of address, telephone number, email address, change of business structure, or a responsible individual.

IRS also requires Website addresses if any information is being collected from taxpayers for federal income tax returns on that website.

2. EROs are required to be diligent to prevent fraud in the IRS’s E-file system. If the ERO is also the preparer of a return, extra due diligence is required for returns involving Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a popular area of abuse.

3. As an ERO, we are required to:
Confirm the identity of all parties listed on the tax return.
Inspect a valid government-issued ID for all new taxpayers to the firm.

Examples of valid IDs are:
Government-issued driver’s license or ID Card
Government employer, school, state, military, national ID Card
Voter ID or visa or passport.

Verify a taxpayer’s Social Security card or ITIN letter for accuracy
Verify the W-2 matches the identification number provided
Verify and input the address on a W2 record that differs from the filing address on the tax return

4.. Other requirements for ERO’s
File returns within 3 days of obtaining signatures
Do not charge a separate fee for direct deposit
Do not have any of the taxpayer’s refund directly deposited into the ERO or preparers account
Do not file any return before receiving the Form W2, W2G, or Form 1099R. If any of these forms cannot be obtained Form 4852 Substitute for Form must be used.
Any changes to the tax return after the taxpayer has signed the electronic transmission form (Form 8879 or Form 8453) if the amount of change to AGI is more than $50 or the change to tax is more than $14 requires the taxpayer to sign a new form.

5. The following signature methods are acceptable:
Handwritten signature on an electronic signature pad
Handwritten signature on a display screen using a stylus
a digitized image of a handwritten signature that is attached to an electronic record
the typed name typed into the signature block on a website form

Additional requirements if the signature is obtained remotely:
Capture the digital image on the signed form
Capture the date, time, and IP address
The electronic signature process must be able to generate evidence that the person is the person the electronic signature belongs to and that the identified person is actually associated with the electronic record.

6. Create a written Information Security Plan for your Tax & Accounting Practice using publication 5708 as a guideline.

7. Add multi-factor authentication to the basic security steps

My final advice is when in doubt, get more information and document, document, document.

Thank You,
The Tax Courses Online team

Continuing Education Requirements for Enrolled Agents

Continuing Education Requirements for Enrolled Agents
Enrolled agents must complete 72 hours of continuing education (CE) every three years. This includes a minimum of 16 hours annually, with at least 2 hours on ethics. All CE courses must be offered by IRS-approved providers.
The last digit of your Social Security number determines the enrollment cycle.

For newly enrolled agents, CE hours required in the year of initial registration are prorated at 2 hours per month, starting from the registration month through December. For instance, if you register in August, you will need a total of 10 hours, including 2 hours dedicated to ethics.


Renewal Application Periods for Enrolled Agents
1. Social Security Numbers Ending in 0, 1, 2, or 3
o Renewal Period: November 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025
For example: If you enroll in May 2024, your enrollment cycle ends in December 2024. You will need to complete 16 hours of CE, including 2 hours of Ethics.
2. Social Security Numbers Ending in 4, 5, or 6
o Renewal Period: November 1, 2025, through January 31, 2026
For example: If you enroll in May 2024, your enrollment cycle ends in December 2025. You will need a total of 40 hours of CE: 16 hours for 2024 and 24 hours for 2025, including 4 hours of Ethics.
3. Social Security Numbers Ending in 7, 8, or 9
o Renewal Period: November 1, 2026, through January 31, 2027
For example: If you enroll in May 2024, your enrollment cycle ends in December 2026. You will need a total of 64 hours of CE: 16 hours for 2024, 24 hours for 2025, and 24 hours for 2026, including 6 hours of Ethics.