Third Party E-file

[NewMexico]

Client's return prepared by another CPA.This CPA does not have capability to e-file the return. This client called me to e-file the return. So I'm thinking I just re-key the whole return, and e-file for client.

Anything I need to be aware of ?

As e-file sender am I the "paid preparer" ?

Sorry If this is an obvious question!

Thanks

[DaveO]

Drake has a "Pre-prepared Entry" Screen

You select the forms and plug the numbers. I believe you are required to retain a copy of the return.

Select "None" for the preparer, you will sign as ERO.

[taxmandan]

You would enter the paid preparers information on the return, not your information as efiler. Remember to get everyone's DOB, phone #, etc which are needed but not on the return itself.

[BP.]

ERO not preparer

Ref pub 1345. Think you'll need to use a form 8453, and send along a copy of pp. 1 & 2 of the 1040, showing preparer's signature. Write "Copy- Do Not Process."

[Chief]

The Answer would be simple for me

I would not efile returns for someone else. They should get an EFIN and do their own. I would not want that responsibility.

[geekgirldany]

I do this every year for one customer. I charge him what I would charge if I had prepared the return. He said the guy that does his is a Retired IRS Agent and if he was to ever get audited this guy would take care of it. I asked why he would not get a number to efile. Customer said the preparer didn't want to get involved in it??? Whatever, I just make myself the ERO not the Paid Preparer.

[ChEAr$]

I expect

that some of these preparers who say they don't want to get involved in efiling,
are actually afraid of submitting their fingerprints for processing!

You reckon?

[Jiggers]

E-filing as a third party

I tried it one year, figuring that I could make some additional money, with little work.

Ha!

The first return that I tried to e-file from a self-prepared return had math errors. Then it bounced from the IRS, SS#'s didn't match names. Spent about an extra 45 minutes on that one return. I had only charge the client $15 because it was supposed to take only 5 minutes to do.

That was the one and only one that I did that way.

I refuse all others.