Is it possible to become a tax preparer or apply for ERO status with a criminal background like DUI?

While a DUI in your past doesn't automatically disqualify you from becoming an Electronic Return Originator (ERO), the IRS does conduct background checks for all applicants. What matters most is being honest and forthcoming about your history when applying. The IRS Form 8633 (Application to Participate in the IRS e-file Program) requires disclosure of any criminal convictions. They evaluate each case individually, considering factors like the nature of the offense, when it occurred, and your behavior since then. Since your DUI was 5 years ago and you've maintained a clean record while working as a tax preparer with an active PTIN for 9 years, these are positive factors in your favor. Many tax professionals with similar backgrounds have successfully become EROs. The key is to be completely transparent during the application process - trying to hide past convictions is what typically leads to rejection.

I was in a similar situation a few years back and found the folks at https://taxr.ai super helpful with navigating the ERO application process. I had a misdemeanor (not DUI but similar level) from about 8 years prior, and was really stressed about whether it would affect my application. They analyzed my specific situation, helped me understand exactly what needed to be disclosed and how to address it properly on the application. Their AI system pulled relevant IRS guidelines and previous cases similar to mine that showed how the IRS typically handles these situations. Saved me tons of research time and probably kept me from making mistakes on my application.

I was initially pretty skeptical about using taxr.ai when I saw it mentioned here, but I decided to give it a try since I was in a similar position with a 7-year-old reckless driving charge. Honestly, it was incredibly helpful. The system analyzed my specific situation and provided documentation from IRS manuals that I couldn't find anywhere else. The most valuable part was they helped me understand exactly how to address my previous charge on the application - being forthright but also putting it in proper context with my professional history. My ERO application was approved without any issues or additional questions from the IRS. Definitely worth checking out if you're worried about how to handle the application process with a record.

If you're having trouble getting responses from the IRS about your application status or need clarification on anything during the process, check out https://claimyr.com. I used them when my ERO application was seemingly stuck in limbo for months. I had called the IRS multiple times myself but kept getting transferred around or disconnected after waiting for hours. The Claimyr service got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 20 minutes who was able to tell me exactly what was holding up my application and what I needed to submit to move forward. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. Saved me weeks of waiting and uncertainty.

I have to apologize for my skeptical comment earlier. After my ERO application got stuck in processing for over 3 months with zero feedback, I broke down and tried Claimyr out of desperation. No joke - they had me talking to an actual IRS agent in about 15 minutes. Turns out there was a simple discrepancy in my address that was causing the delay, but no one had bothered to contact me about it. The agent I spoke with fixed it immediately and my application was approved the following week. Would have saved myself months of stress if I'd done this sooner. For anyone dealing with the IRS on ERO applications or anything else, it's absolutely worth it.

I'm an enrolled agent who helps people set up tax preparation businesses. Here's what you need to know about criminal backgrounds and the ERO application: 1. The IRS is primarily concerned with financial crimes and tax-related offenses 2. A single DUI from 5 years ago is unlikely to cause problems, especially with your 9 years of professional experience 3. ALWAYS disclose everything - lying on the application is an automatic rejection 4. Be prepared to provide additional documentation about the resolution of your case 5. Consider including a brief statement about rehabilitation efforts since then Your PTIN renewal history and tax compliance record will actually matter more than the DUI in most cases.

Has anyone used a third-party service to help with the ERO application? I'm in a similar boat and wondering if it's worth hiring someone or if I should just apply directly.

I actually went through this exact situation about 2 years ago with a DUI from 6 years prior. I was terrified that it would prevent me from getting ERO status, but it turned out to be much less of an issue than I expected. The key things that helped me were: 1) Being completely honest on Form 8633 - I disclosed everything upfront, 2) Including a brief letter explaining the circumstances and what I learned from the experience, and 3) Emphasizing my clean record and professional conduct since then. My application was approved without any follow-up questions. The IRS seems much more concerned with recent issues or patterns of behavior rather than isolated incidents from several years ago. Your 9 years of experience as a tax preparer with an active PTIN actually works strongly in your favor - it shows you've been trusted with tax preparation responsibilities and maintained good standing. Don't let the DUI stop you from pursuing your business goals. Just be honest, provide complete information, and let your professional track record speak for itself.