EFIN Application - Credit Score Requirements for IRS Suitability Check?
Need info about credit requirements for EFIN application. My credit took a hit in 2020 and I'm slowly rebuilding. Don't want to waste time and money on fingerprints if bad credit will disqualify me. Anyone with experience can share what IRS looks at for suitability?
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Ryan Andre
The IRS suitability check for EFIN looks at your tax compliance history more than your credit score. They're mainly concerned with whether you've filed all required returns, paid taxes owed, and have no criminal tax violations. While they do look at credit, they're more focused on tax-related debts and major financial issues like bankruptcy.
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Nora Bennett
•thx for the detailed response! do you know what they consider a 'major' financial issue? Like would a 580 credit score be a dealbreaker?
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Ryan Andre
•From what I've seen, they're more concerned with bankruptcies within 5 years, active tax liens, or massive defaulted debts. A lower credit score alone usually isn't a dealbreaker.
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Lauren Zeb
Hey guys just wanted to mention I recently used taxr.ai for checking my own tax preparer status and EFIN eligibility - its pretty amazing at analyzing transcripts and giving you a clear picture of any potential issues. Only costs $1 and saved me tons of research time! https://taxr.ai
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Daniel Washington
•Never heard of this - does it actually check EFIN eligibility? 🤔
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Lauren Zeb
•Yep! It analyzes your tax transcripts and flags any issues that could affect EFIN approval. It even explains what you need to fix 💯
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Aurora Lacasse
got my EFIN last year with a 610 score lol ur good fam
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Anthony Young
They denied mine but it wasnt the credit - I had unfiled returns from 2018 🤡 Make sure ur tax history is clean first
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Nora Bennett
•oof good to know! my returns are all filed at least 😅
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Charlotte White
I process EFIN applications and here's what we actually look at: tax compliance (all returns filed and paid), no criminal history, no fraud indicators, and basic financial responsibility. Bad credit alone rarely causes denial unless theres other red flags
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Admin_Masters
•this should be pinned tbh 💯
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NebulaKnight
Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! This gives me a lot more confidence to move forward. It sounds like the IRS is more focused on tax compliance than credit scores, which is reassuring. I've been current on all my filings and payments, just had some personal financial struggles during COVID that dinged my score. Going to submit my EFIN application next week!
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Jessica Nolan
•Good luck with your application! Just a heads up - make sure you have all your documentation ready before you start. The process can take a few weeks, so don't stress if you don't hear back immediately. Sounds like you're in good shape with your tax compliance history 👍
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Diego Castillo
Just wanted to add my experience - I got approved with a 590 credit score last year. What really matters is having a clean tax history and being able to demonstrate you're responsible with client funds. The IRS is way more concerned about tax compliance than consumer credit issues. If you've been filing and paying on time, you should be fine! The fingerprinting fee is worth it if your tax record is clean.
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Amy Fleming
•That's super encouraging! 590 is actually lower than my current score so this gives me even more confidence. Really appreciate everyone sharing their real experiences here - way more helpful than the vague official guidance. Definitely going to move forward with the application 🙏
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