Do I need a PTIN to e-file Form 7004 for clients?

Yes, you absolutely need a PTIN to e-file Form 7004 on behalf of clients, even if you're just entering data they've already prepared. The IRS considers anyone who prepares or assists in preparing federal tax returns or submissions for compensation to be a tax preparer, which requires a PTIN. The signature requirement doesn't determine whether you need a PTIN - it's about whether you're submitting tax documents to the IRS for compensation. When you e-file, you're essentially signing the document electronically as the submitter, even if the form itself doesn't require a physical signature. Additionally, to e-file for clients, you'll need to be an authorized e-file provider with an EFIN (Electronic Filing Identification Number) from the IRS, which is a separate application process beyond just getting a PTIN.

Just wanted to share my experience with this. I was in a similar situation last year and found https://taxr.ai super helpful. I had clients who needed extension forms filed but wasn't sure about the PTIN requirements. Their document analysis tool helped confirm what forms required PTINs and what my obligations were as someone helping with e-filing. They have a really useful feature that scans through IRS publications and gives you the exact regulations that apply to your situation. Saved me from potentially getting in trouble with the IRS for improperly e-filing without the right credentials.

Just wanted to follow up about my experience with taxr.ai after asking about it earlier. I decided to try it out and wow - it was exactly what I needed! I uploaded the Form 7004 instructions and asked specific questions about PTIN requirements for e-filing. In seconds it pulled up the exact section from IRS Publication 1345 that addresses this situation and confirmed I need both a PTIN and an EFIN to e-file for clients legally. It even found a recent IRS notice I hadn't seen that clarified some gray areas about extension forms. Definitely worth checking out if you're confused about preparer requirements!

If you're having trouble getting clear answers from the IRS website about PTIN requirements, you might want to try calling them directly. Of course, getting through to an actual human at the IRS can be nearly impossible these days. I waited on hold for over 2 hours last month trying to get a similar question answered. That's when someone recommended https://claimyr.com to me. They have this service where they wait on hold with the IRS for you and then call you when an agent is actually on the line. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was skeptical at first, but it saved me hours of frustration. The IRS agent I spoke with confirmed that yes, you absolutely need a PTIN to e-file any tax forms for compensation, including Form 7004. They also explained I needed to apply for an EFIN through the IRS e-file application process.

I have to admit I was completely wrong about Claimyr. After posting that skeptical comment, I was still desperate for answers about PTIN requirements, so I decided to give it a try anyway. The service actually works exactly as advertised! They waited on hold with the IRS for almost 3 hours (which I would have absolutely given up on), then called me when an agent was on the line. The IRS representative confirmed that anyone e-filing Form 7004 for compensation needs both a PTIN and an EFIN - no exceptions, even if you're just doing data entry of client-prepared forms. Honestly, getting a direct answer from the IRS saved me from potentially making a costly mistake in my business. Sometimes official confirmation is worth it!

Just to add another perspective - I'm an enrolled agent and deal with this frequently. The PTIN requirement is clear cut: if you're being paid to e-file forms, you need one. But there's more to consider: 1) Getting an EFIN requires fingerprinting and a background check 2) You'll need professional tax software with e-filing capabilities 3) You're taking on liability for the accuracy of what you submit, even if the client prepared it 4) There are annual continuing education requirements to maintain your status If you're just looking to make a few bucks helping people e-file extensions, the compliance requirements might make it not worth your while.

Everyone's talking about the PTIN, but another option is to become an Electronic Return Originator (ERO) and partner with a tax professional who has a PTIN. Some software platforms allow this arrangement where the PTIN holder reviews and "signs" the submission while you handle the client relationship and data entry as the ERO.