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    This is progress?

    I could hardly believe this when I read it. I've always thought electronic account resolution was pretty worthless, but filing 2848's on line seemed like the wave of the future.

    "2.**E-Services: Disclosure Authorization and Electronic Account Resolution Applications Retire in August

    Due largely to low usage, the IRS will retire and remove the Disclosure Authorization (DA) and Electronic Account Resolution (EAR) applications from e-Services effective Aug. 11.

    Last year, users submitted less than 10 percent of all disclosure authorizations through the DA application. Similarly, only three percent of all account-related issues came in through the EAR application.

    In anticipation of this change, the IRS has increased the number of employees who process authorizations and has improved internal work processes to decrease the average processing time significantly from the current 10-day processing period.

    The IRS will continue to explore better ways to reduce processing time and improve overall service to the users. However, current budget cuts will impact their dedicated resources to this program and they are working to determine the impact on processing time.

    Once IRS removes the two applications, former DA users will need to complete Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative, or Form 8821, Tax Information Authorizations, and mail or fax it to the appropriate IRS location listed on the form’s instructions. Please allow at least four days for the authorization to post to the IRS database before requesting a transcript through the Transcript Delivery System. Former EAR users should call the Practitioner Priority Service at 1-866-860-4259 for help resolving account-related issues.

    The IRS continues to look for ways to improve its current processes and is exploring an improved electronic solution for DA and EAR in the future."
    Evan Appelman, EA

    #2
    I use that all the time. But, one thing they don't say is the hassle getting the POA authorized. If the client hasn't filed in the last three years, you can't authorize the POA online. The AGI from one of the prior three years is required to verify the taxpayer signature online. Believe it or not, that can pose a problem a lot of the time.

    I think there is something else they aren't saying. Calling the PPL is a nightmare. I called Tues and got a recording that the call volume was too high and call back. Then, it hung up on me. I called that afternoon and got through but all the computers were down so they couldn't help.

    So, I have no belief at all that they will process POAs in 4 days. Right now, it's takes 10 days or more.
    You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be misquoted, then used against you.

    Comment


      #3
      I also use the POA online at e-services, but as WO stated, if no filing in the last 3 years, or deceased, etc, it won't work - I have also encountered issues on filing in POA online with Business Entities - sometimes just won't work.

      Also more of an issue on married joint returns now, as we have to have separate POA forms.

      IRS wants to be more efficient, then they need to be able to provide us the tools, to become more efficient - discontinuing this service will create an additional backlog for them.

      I believe the POA online is only low useage, as is e-services - as Some Professionals encounter issues, are more comfortable on the phone with PPL, etc. It can be frustrating on e-sevices. E-services could probably be a little more user friendly.

      And as stated in another message, what is it the IRS really is trying to convey to us. They are not able to accomodate and move forward in the "world of technology and communication"

      Sandy

      Comment


        #4
        "Calling the PPL is a nightmare"

        Could not agree more - I use e-services quite often and don't miss the PPL!

        Comment


          #5
          Remember the good old days?

          When you had 24 hr turnaround on faxed 2848's? I think I've filed 90% of my 2848's via e-services. But, then, I tend to avoid clients whose last return filing was beyond the memory of the oldest inhabitants. Interestingly, California is moving in the other direction, making it progressively easier for practitioners to access client information on line. I do begin to wonder if the IRS is starting to implode.
          Evan Appelman, EA

          Comment


            #6
            Because of the title of this post I wasn't aware of what the subject matter was so I posted another on the subject. Here is the IRS Commissioner's email...please send a protest. I also urge you all to call E Services and voice your concerns. The only way to stop this is if we all take action. E-Services phone number is on my post

            IRS.Commissioner@irs.gov
            Believe nothing you have not personally researched and verified.

            Comment


              #7
              Good idea.

              Sorry about the uninformative topic title.
              Evan Appelman, EA

              Comment


                #8
                How about including in an email what it is that makes entering POA's so difficult. Perhaps if we voice our concerns they will fix the problem. Obviously the fact that it is such a chore to enter a POA into E Services is the reason why it isn't being used. How about fixing it rather than eliminating it?
                Believe nothing you have not personally researched and verified.

                Comment


                  #9
                  Originally posted by taxea View Post
                  How about including in an email what it is that makes entering POA's so difficult. Perhaps if we voice our concerns they will fix the problem. Obviously the fact that it is such a chore to enter a POA into E Services is the reason why it isn't being used. How about fixing it rather than eliminating it?
                  This is always my problem on e-services. Only 1 time have I been successful on that site.

                  Comment


                    #10
                    You are seeking access to secure information.

                    There are going to have to be some hoops to jump through. After the first learning experience, I've generally been able to complete a 2848 in five minutes or so and then have immediate access to transcripts.
                    Evan Appelman, EA

                    Comment


                      #11
                      The only time I don't use it is if I don't have a prior year's AGI to verify their ID, which is most often in cases of multiple years nonfilers.

                      I haven't used the dispute resolution function though. It's something I forget is available.

                      Comment


                        #12
                        I do a lot of non-filer work so I end up faxing the 2848 in those cases anyway. The fact that you can't address a CP2000 notice through eservices greatly limits its usefulness in problem resolution. For cases where I have used it I have had generally good results with a few notable exceptions.
                        In other words, a democratic government is the only one in which those who vote for a tax can escape the obligation to pay it.
                        Alexis de Tocqueville

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Petition

                          Evan Appelman, EA

                          Comment


                            #14
                            The realty is theIRS needs that 110Mb of computer storage space for Obamacare.
                            "A man that holds a cat by the tail learns something he can learn no other way." - Mark Twain

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