Frequently Asked Questions: E-Filing, PTIN, EFIN, and TaxWise Software

An authorized IRS e-file provider is a firm or individual the IRS has approved to electronically transmit tax returns and refund claims to the IRS through the federal e-file system. The IRS evaluates applicants through a suitability check covering criminal background, tax compliance history, and business details. Only applicants who pass this review receive an Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) and authorization to transmit returns. America's Tax Professionals has been an authorized IRS e-file provider since 2001 and holds authorization to transmit returns for all 50 states.

Apply for your EFIN through the IRS e-Services portal at irs.gov/e-services. Create or log in to your e-Services account, complete the online e-file application, and submit to the IRS suitability check. The IRS reviews your background and tax compliance history; this process typically takes two to six weeks. Once approved, the IRS mails your EFIN to the address on the application. New preparers who want to begin filing before receiving their own EFIN may be able to transmit through an authorized provider like ATP. Contact ATP to discuss options.

A PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number) identifies you as an individual compensated preparer and is required on every federal return you sign for pay. An EFIN (Electronic Filing Identification Number) authorizes a business or individual to electronically transmit returns to the IRS as an Electronic Return Originator. Every compensated preparer must have a PTIN. An EFIN is required only if you transmit returns to the IRS yourself. New preparers can often start by transmitting through an authorized provider that already holds an EFIN (such as ATP), getting their PTIN first and applying for their own EFIN as their practice grows.

An Electronic Return Originator (ERO) is the IRS-authorized business or individual that accepts a completed tax return from a taxpayer or preparer and transmits it to the IRS through the e-file system. EROs must hold a valid EFIN. Not all preparers are EROs: some preparers use a transmitter or authorized provider (such as ATP) to handle the electronic submission. ATP operates as an ERO and transmitter under its IRS e-file authorization.

Electronic filing (e-filing) means submitting a completed tax return to the IRS through the federal e-file system rather than mailing a paper return. The preparer or taxpayer completes the return using tax preparation software, which produces a standardized electronic file. That file is then transmitted to the IRS through an authorized e-file provider. The IRS acknowledges receipt electronically, typically within 24 to 48 hours. The IRS generally processes e-filed refunds faster than paper returns; the IRS advises that most refunds on e-filed returns with direct deposit are issued within 21 days of acceptance, though actual timing is determined solely by the IRS. America's Tax Professionals is an authorized e-file provider that transmits returns to the IRS on behalf of preparers and taxpayers. ATP does not prepare returns; returns must be completed by the preparer or taxpayer before ATP can transmit them.

A Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) is the unique ID the IRS requires all compensated tax return preparers to have before signing any return. You get a PTIN by registering through the IRS PTIN online system at irs.gov/ptin. Registration requires your personal information, Social Security number, prior-year tax return details, and answers to questions about felony convictions and tax compliance. Most straightforward applications complete the same day. There is an annual fee to register and renew. Your PTIN must be renewed each year by December 31.

PTIN renewal is due by December 31 each year for the following tax filing season. If your PTIN lapses, you are not authorized to sign or submit paid tax returns until it is renewed. The IRS sends renewal reminders to the email address on your PTIN account starting in October. Renewal is completed through the same IRS PTIN online system at irs.gov/ptin where you registered. There is an annual renewal fee.

At the federal level, no formal license is required to prepare taxes for pay beyond holding a valid PTIN. However, several states impose their own licensing or registration requirements. California requires CTEC registration for non-credentialed preparers. Oregon, Maryland, New York, and a few other states also have preparer registration programs. Enrolled agents (EAs) hold a federal credential from the IRS; CPAs and attorneys are licensed by their respective state boards. If you are practicing in a state with preparer registration requirements, check that state's tax authority website for current rules.

You can begin the process in a few hours. PTIN registration through the IRS online system typically completes the same day if your application is straightforward. EFIN approval takes longer: allow two to six weeks for the IRS suitability check. Once you have your PTIN and an EFIN (or a transmission arrangement with an authorized provider), you can begin preparing returns as a paid preparer.

Through ATP, the TaxWise(R) Individual 1040 package is $675 paid in full or $775 on a 12-month payment plan for the 2025 tax year. The All States add-on is $295 full pay ($315 on a plan). The Business package add-on is $345 full pay ($385 on a plan). TaxWise Online tiers (via Wolters Kluwer) run from $429 for limited per-return access up to $4,249 for 2,500 mixed returns. Prices are for the 2025 tax year and subject to change; confirm current pricing with ATP before ordering.

TaxWise(R) by Wolters Kluwer is an established professional tax preparation software platform used by independent preparers and small offices. It is known for its bilingual English and Spanish form set (60+ forms and schedules), its dual desktop and cloud (TaxWise Online) versions, multi-state processing, bank product integration, and the availability of unlimited customer support. It is suited for preparers who need a full-featured professional platform rather than a consumer-grade product. Some preparers report its reporting features are less robust than platforms aimed at larger firms. For independent preparers and small offices who need bilingual capability, a desktop option, or a payment plan, TaxWise available through an authorized reseller like ATP is a well-supported choice.

Yes. TaxWise(R) supports all states that require individual income tax returns. The Individual 1040 package includes state software for up to five states; the All States add-on covers all remaining states for individual returns. Business state returns are included in the Business package add-on. ATP's IRS e-file authorization also covers all 50 states, so you can transmit state returns through ATP's platform regardless of where your clients are located.

The required steps are: (1) Get a PTIN from the IRS at irs.gov/ptin. All compensated preparers must have one before signing any return. (2) Decide on your e-file arrangement: apply for your own EFIN if you plan to transmit returns yourself, or arrange to transmit through an authorized provider like ATP while you build your practice. (3) Get professional tax preparation software, not consumer software. (4) Meet any state-specific requirements: California, for example, requires CTEC registration. (5) Complete continuing education to stay current on tax law and, if you choose, pursue the IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) for additional recognition. See ATP's full guide for step-by-step detail on each stage.

No. A CPA license is not required to prepare and file federal tax returns as a paid preparer. All compensated preparers must have a valid PTIN, but CPA status is not a prerequisite for most federal returns. Some states impose their own preparer registration or competency exam requirements. California, for example, requires CTEC registration for non-credentialed preparers. CPAs, enrolled agents, and attorneys operate under their own regulatory frameworks and have broader IRS representation rights than non-credentialed preparers.

Federal law does not require most non-credentialed preparers to complete continuing education, but several programs provide structured CE and IRS recognition. The IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) requires 18 hours of CE per year from IRS-approved providers and awards a Record of Completion. AFSP participants are listed in the IRS public preparer directory and gain limited IRS representation rights. California requires 20 hours of CTEC-approved CE annually for non-credentialed preparers filing California returns (CTEC registration is mandatory in California). All preparers must renew their PTIN by December 31 each year. ATP partners with Golden State Tax Training Institute (GSTTI), an IRS-approved and CTEC-approved CE provider, for AFSP and CTEC courses.

The AFSP is a voluntary IRS program that awards a Record of Completion to non-credentialed tax preparers who complete 18 hours of continuing education per year from IRS-approved providers. The 18 hours include a required 6-hour federal tax law update course, a 2-hour ethics course, and 10 hours of elective federal tax topics. Preparers who earn the Record of Completion are listed in the IRS public directory of federal tax return preparers and gain limited representation rights before the IRS (primarily audits, exam requests, and payment and collection issues for returns they prepared). ATP partners with GSTTI for AFSP-eligible CE courses.

Phone: 224-388-1774
Fax: 224-218-3101
Email: loren.atp@yahoo.com
Mailing address: 113 McHenry Rd #247, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

To request a free demo copy of TaxWise(R) software, email your name and mailing address to loren.atp@yahoo.com. ATP will send the demo copy by mail. For software support, visit the TaxWise support site at support.taxwise.com. For download links and registration, go to the Download page on this site (requires your ATP registration code).