ID numbers

[Golden Rocket]

I have not enrolled for an ID# so that a customer can check the box so the IRS can talk with me. I get a 2848 when I need to.

This is partially intentional on my part -- I don't want a customer to think I am taking the responsibility for communication without his consent. They already think their tax problems are MY tax problems, whether they are or not.

Partially lazy too. I have put electronic filing issues on the back burner, and resent the sudden emphasis on fast filing instead of tax savings.

I'm told for the 2008 filing season I will have to change my ways. Anyone tell me what's going on??

[wv112]

I like to efile so my clients can get those tax savings back FAST!! And I charge for it, so make a few more dollars...

[Golden Rocket]

E-file

I do too WV.

I didn't mean to state I don't e-file. Guess I did a poor job posing the question.
If I didn't e-file I would be out of business.

GR

[taxmandan]

I have not enrolled for an ID# so that a customer can check the box so the IRS can talk with me. I get a 2848 when I need to.

This is partially intentional on my part -- I don't want a customer to think I am taking the responsibility for communication without his consent. They already think their tax problems are MY tax problems, whether they are or not.

Partially lazy too. I have put electronic filing issues on the back burner, and resent the sudden emphasis on fast filing instead of tax savings.

I'm told for the 2008 filing season I will have to change my ways. Anyone tell me what's going on??

What ID# are you referring to? The check the box on a 1040 to allow theIRS to talk to the preparer of the return is for discussing non-tax issues, like spelling of a name, address, etc. not for representing the client in an audit. And checking that box doesn't require any special number for the preparer.

If you have filed any POA for clients, you already have been issued a CAF #. And again that doesn't have anything to do with the check the box on a 1040.

[sea-tax]

GR if you are talking about the number on page 2 of 1040 third party disclosure then you just simply make the number up. Infact I use the same number for every client year in and year out. It is kind of like the pin number on the 8879 you simply make up any pin number you wish.

I hope this helps and I hope I understood your original question.

[Golden Rocket]

Thanks

Sea-tax, thanks. I did a poor job of posing the question. I have been putting in a fantasy four-digit number in my software e-file package ever since the 8879 has been in effect. If this number is just made up, I suppose the same number could be used on the 1040, page 2.

Can this number also be used in lieu of my social security number in the Preparer's signature section? I'm getting very leery of giving out my SS# these days. I also have a FEIN #, but the 1040 requires both.

[sea-tax]

Sea-tax, thanks. I did a poor job of posing the question. I have been putting in a fantasy four-digit number in my software e-file package ever since the 8879 has been in effect. If this number is just made up, I suppose the same number could be used on the 1040, page 2.

Can this number also be used in lieu of my social security number in the Preparer's signature section? I'm getting very leery of giving out my SS# these days. I also have a FEIN #, but the 1040 requires both.

No , why not sign up to get a PTIN # form the IRS. I forget the form you fill out but the IRS will asign you a number called a preparer pin and it can replace your social security number the number starts P#######.


Go to www.irs.gov and due a search for preparer pin and I am sure something will come up.

[Uncle Sam]

ID numbers

PTIN can be obtained from completing a Form W-7.

[Golden Rocket]

Thanks

Thanks guys. I've got a W-7P on its way.

I kept looking in e-file registrations, pubs, etc. and couldn't find it. Thanks for your help. Should have taken care of this years ago.

[outwest]

Along this line...

Can this number also be used in lieu of my social security number in the Preparer's signature section? I'm getting very leery of giving out my SS# these days. I also have a FEIN #, but the 1040 requires both.

I've suggested that clients get a EIN so they don't put their SSN on 1099s going to various low life contractors.

(Hmm, only a tax person could write that last sentence with a straight face)

[skhyatt]

As I recall, a pin number for the 3rd party designee only needs to be entered if the designee is someone other than the preparer.

[oceanlovin'ea]

Ptin

I prefer having a PTIN so that I don't have to put my own social security number on any forms that I prepare or sign.

Linda

[Black Bart]

Rocketman,

I got a PTIN after a crook swiped my SSN off his return (paid me with a hot check -- a nice touch), and opened two utility accounts for me on two out-of-town houses. They ran for several months until the electric company called demanding "payment of your seriously delinquent account." After that I didn't need any persuasion to get a PTIN.

I just make up a number on 941s (that flies alright), but on 1040's my ATX tax program checks the "Yes" box and then automatically prints "preparer" in the "Designee's name" slot. After that it doesn't put anything in the PIN box so I'm assuming IRS would consider my PTIN number at the bottom of the page to be my default designee number.

[Golden Rocket]

Thanks

Yes, looks like the W-7P is the right move. SS#s are in such universal use that I don't know how anyone protects their identity.

The problem would be solved quicker if the RECIPIENTS were made to be responsible for 50% of the unpaid bill. After all, it is THEIR verification policies failing to catch the crooks. You would be surprised how quickly things get done when the big banking and other lobbies get behind it.

[joanmcq]

Jeez, I've had a PTIN since they were made available. However, in Bart's case, you could be an out of town landlord or whatever on a utility bill. I'll bet a dollar to a doughnut the recipient no longer lived at the address by the time the utilitity people caught on and shut off the power...