EServices Question

[geekgirldany]

I've got a question regarding EServices. I signed up awhile back and I now need to use it. I have a customer that hasn't filed for 4 years and doesn't have any income information. I am not a EA... yet . Can I get the W-2 information from E-Services using Form 2848? The instructions for 2848 say:

Unenrolled agents can use Form 2848 if they prepare the return in question; however, if they did not prepare the return in question, then Form 8821, Tax Information Authorization, should be used. Forms 8821 being used for “specific use request” are not recorded on the CAF and will not be forwarded to the CAF Unit.

Am I correct in assuming that since I am going to prepare his return I can use Form 2848?

Thanks

[Golden Rocket]

2848 is good

Geek, I think 2848 will establish you.

You ARE the preparer for the years in question, so long as they haven't been filed, and you are engaged to do them. Frpm my experience, the CAF # is really all the IRS wants before they talk with you, so long as a 2848 is on file.

However, I believe 8821 may still be the appropriate form to request W-2/1099 information. The 8821 simply does not attach to the 2848 for authorization purposes.

[abby]

catch 22

The instructions for the form appear to be exclusively in the past tense when dealing with the unenrolled preparer's authorization to represent. It is silent on its power to receive documents only.

It appears, though, you will not be able to get the information you desire with the 2848 unless you've already prepared the return.

I think you may be stuck going the 8821 route.

I'd call the efile - eservices help line and ask.

If eservices is not an option, then I know I've had pretty good luck on the priority help line where I can fax the authorization to the rep and they will fax me back the reports needed.

Still, if you end up testing the system, as it were, please let us know how that turns out!

[taxmandan]

Use the 8821

You want income information so use the 8821 no need for a POA for that purpose. I use it all the time with no problems. Since there is no AGI for the past two years for your client you will have to fax it in anyway, wait a few days and then access thru e-services. If your client wants you to represent them later after the returns are prepared to negotiate an IA you can submit a 2848 at that time.

Daniel

[abby]

Disclosure Authorization
Eligible tax professionals may complete authorization forms, view and modify existing forms, and receive acknowledgement of accepted submissions immediately--all online. Disclosure Authorization allows tax professionals to electronically submit Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative, and Form 8821, Tax Information Authorization. This e-service expedites processing and issues a real-time acknowledgment of accepted submissions.

This is from the IRS website - I didn't realize you could submit the 8821 online - that may be your best bet, since your post indicates it won't get posted to the CAF if you submit it in other ways.

[taxmandan]

Form 8821

Form 8821 is posted in CAF, I use it almost exclusively and have never had a problem with accessing client information or talking to PHL about a client's situation. And I get copies of all letters mailed to clients by theIRS also. Sometimes the PHL folks look in the wrong area of their computer for the authorization, apparently the 8821 is posted in another area on the screen than the 2848.

Daniel

[abby]

Thank you, Daniel

good to know

[John of PA]

Patience Required

Patience is required with EServices, there is nothing efficient about the program. If you have not used it for a while (3 months I think), you have to re-register. Then you go through doing the POA online, then request the documents. Several times IRS gave me an error message that I had to call in. I called in on the spot, and they ask me to fax my signed POA to them on the spot. It's a security procedure I suppose. I found using the systems very time consuming and frustrating. What I found most useful was the ability to see the credits for how much was paid in in estimated taxes, and to see what 1099 info was reported to IRS.

[geekgirldany]

Thank you all for responding. I really do appreciate it.

I have used the 8821 in the past and also never had no problems. But I don't believe I have ever used to get copies of W-2s. In the past I had the taxpayer call the IRS to get them mailed to them. I read somewhere that you could get the taxpayer's income information within 3 days from eservices. So I thought I would try it with this customer.

I didn't know the 8821 could be filed through eservices either. I had only heard of using the 2848.

Edit: Daniel said since he hasn't had a AGI I will have to fax the 8821 anyways. So I guess I can't do the online one. But there is the link right there in front of me to file it at eservices.

[Lion]

E-Services

At a CSEA meeting yesterday, an IRS spokesperson said as of 1 November any Circular 230 preparer can get information from e-services -- no longer have to have e-filed 5 or whatever returns. This is great news for people like me who e-file under the number of my company and not myself (and my company has not authorized me...).

[ChEAr$]

Still though,

At a CSEA meeting yesterday, an IRS spokesperson said as of 1 November any Circular 230 preparer can get information from e-services -- no longer have to have e-filed 5 or whatever returns. This is great news for people like me who e-file under the number of my company and not myself (and my company has not authorized me...).

Don't forget to register first. (grin)

[BOB W]

Patience is required with EServices, there is nothing efficient about the program. If you have not used it for a while (3 months I think), you have to re-register. Then you go through doing the POA online, then request the documents. Several times IRS gave me an error message that I had to call in. I called in on the spot, and they ask me to fax my signed POA to them on the spot. It's a security procedure I suppose. I found using the systems very time consuming and frustrating. What I found most useful was the ability to see the credits for how much was paid in in estimated taxes, and to see what 1099 info was reported to IRS.

And I thought it was just my dense mind>>>>>>>> I gave up so many times.

I'm attending a IRS/CPA/EA seminar in November. One of the sessions that I signed up for is about E-Services. Hopefully I will get better use out of it in the future. I would like to know if anyone in the class has a simular problems.

[DTS]

Bob

You're not alone. I have tried several times to register for e-services, but never have been successful. The IRS keeps telling me that my AGI is incorrect! I will be interested in what you find out in November.

I've given up on it.

Dennis

[BOB W]

Dennis > I will write up a report from the class and post it here.................. I hope I have something good to report. Before I go to the symposium I will play with it again once I re-register. I intend to ask lots of questions, even if I appear a fool.

[Uncle Sam]

E-Services

I tried e-services about a year ago (as I had already e-filed 5 returns) and I had nothing but problems in logging in, getting connected etc.

The IRS does NOT make it user friendly - so until they perfect it and make it less problematical - those magnificent men and their flying machines can take it and shove it.