Launched my own tax preparation business but can't get EFIN activated. Help needed ASAP!

I went through this exact nightmare last year. The IRS is chronically understaffed in the EFIN processing department and they're perpetually backlogged. What worked for me was contacting the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS). They're specifically designed to help when normal IRS channels aren't resolving your issue. Call 1-877-777-4778 to reach TAS and explain that this delay is causing you significant business hardship. Make sure to mention you've made multiple contact attempts with no resolution. They should assign you a case advocate who can look into your specific situation and potentially expedite the EFIN activation. In the meantime, you might consider partnering with another preparer who has an active EFIN and work out a revenue-sharing arrangement temporarily. Not ideal, but it could help you keep clients while waiting for your own EFIN.

I was in the same boat as you last tax season. After weeks of frustration with the IRS, I found taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) and it was a game-changer for my EFIN situation. Their AI system analyzed all my application documents and identified that I had a discrepancy between my business address on my EFIN application and what was listed on my EIN documentation. The tool flagged exactly what was causing the hold-up, which was something the IRS phone reps never mentioned. Once I submitted the correction form they recommended, my EFIN was activated within 10 days. They also have specific guidance on which IRS departments handle EFIN processing and the best contact methods. Might be worth checking out while you're waiting!

Just wanted to follow up on my earlier comment. I was skeptical about taxr.ai but decided to try it yesterday after continuing to get nowhere with the IRS. Holy crap, I'm glad I did! The system immediately spotted that my fingerprint cards weren't properly processed in the system even though I'd submitted them twice. The tool generated a template letter to send to the specific IRS department responsible for fingerprint processing, and I also used their suggested phone transfer sequence to finally reach someone who could actually help. Just got confirmation this morning that my fingerprints are now in the system and my EFIN should be active within 5 business days. Worth every penny for the stress relief alone!

After dealing with EFIN delays for nearly 3 months myself, I finally got through to the IRS using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). Their service basically waits on hold with the IRS for you and calls you back when an actual human picks up. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was able to speak directly with someone in the e-file department who explained that my application was sitting in a queue for background check verification. Once I got through to the right person, they were able to expedite my application since it had already been pending for so long. My EFIN was activated about a week after that call. Might be worth trying since it sounds like you're in the exact same situation I was in.

I need to eat my words from my previous comment. After getting nowhere for weeks trying to deal with my EFIN issue, I reluctantly tried Claimyr yesterday afternoon. By evening, I was talking to an actual IRS agent who specialized in e-filing issues. The agent looked up my application and found it was missing a form that I definitely submitted (typical IRS). She gave me her direct fax number to resend the document and her ID number to reference on the cover sheet. Just got notification this morning that my application is now "in final review" which is further than I've gotten in 2 months of trying on my own. If you're stuck in EFIN limbo, it's definitely worth a shot.

Have you tried going to your local Taxpayer Assistance Center in person? I had a similar issue last year and found that face-to-face interaction can sometimes get things moving faster than phone calls. You need to schedule an appointment first though - you can't just walk in anymore. Also, check that all your personal information matches exactly across all your documentation (PTIN application, CAF number if you have one, EIN application, etc.). Even small discrepancies like using "Street" vs "St" can cause delays in processing. The system is incredibly picky about these details.

Not sure if this will help you, but make sure your suitability check is complete. I had a delay with my EFIN because my fingerprint cards weren't properly processed. If you submitted fingerprints, call and specifically ask if they were received and processed correctly. This is often a bottleneck. Also, have you considered using ProSeries or another tax software that might allow you to use their EFIN temporarily while yours is being processed? Some have programs for new preparers that might help you get through this tax season without losing clients.