EFAST Signing alternative

[Cynchbeast]

I know that when we first started with EFAST, the IRS would not accept an electronic filing authorization (so that we as TPA could sign for them) for multiple years - we had to prepare a separate authorization for each year.

Does anyone know if that has changed?

[Bird]

We are getting one each year/I don't think it has changed. And I think it makes sense to get one each year anyway - with Qs about PTs and such, how can a sponsor pre-authorize filing a return they haven't even seen?

[BG5150]

how can a sponsor pre-authorize filing a return they haven't even seen?

How many of your clients do you think peruse their 5500 before signing it?

[Bird]

Very few. But seriously, how valid is a form that says "yeah, go ahead and file all of my forms from now on?" Plus, it would appear to transfer liability to the TPA; we'd be preparing and filing forms without any pretense of having the employer confirm the info is accurate. Not good at all...

[Cynchbeast]

I figured it was probably still one per year. But the situation we are in is that we have a couple clients who left us and have now come back (realizing the grass wasn't really greener), and are paying us to do several past years as DFVC filings. So we would be looking at an authorization that was for specific years - say PYE 12/31/08 through 12/31/12 - and at the same time we would have them the 2008-2012 returns.

Do you think that might be acceptable to IRS rather than preparing 5 separate authorizations?

[BG5150]

Do you think that might be acceptable to IRS rather than preparing 5 separate authorizations?

Why tempt fate? Do the extra 5 minutes of work.