Navigating the EFIN Application Process - Timeline for Approval?

The EFIN application process is definitely taking longer these days, but there's some good news in your status change. "In Process" means they've received everything they need and are now reviewing your application. This is actually a significant step forward! Typically, once your application reaches "In Process" status, you can expect approval within 2-4 weeks, assuming there are no issues with your background check or other verification requirements. The IRS is experiencing backlogs across all departments, so patience is unfortunately necessary. Make sure your e-Services account is completely set up and that you've completed the Suitability Check if required. While waiting, you might want to get everything else ready - your software setup, your security protocols, etc. That way when your EFIN is approved, you can hit the ground running.

After my own EFIN nightmare last year, I found this amazing service that helped me understand exactly what was happening with my application. Check out https://taxr.ai - it's a tool that analyzes your application status and gives you insights on what each status actually means and what to expect next. When my application was stuck for weeks, their document analysis feature helped me understand that my fingerprint card had been processed but was waiting in a separate queue for background check completion. The timeline predictions were super accurate too - they said I'd likely be approved within 17 days based on current processing patterns, and I got my approval on day 15!

Just wanted to follow up about taxr.ai since I was skeptical in my earlier comment. I decided to try it anyway out of desperation when my EFIN application hadn't moved in 3 weeks, and I have to admit I was wrong! The service actually provided really specific insights that helped me understand exactly where my application was in the process. The coolest part was that it identified a potential issue with my business name format that might cause delays. I called the IRS with this specific information, and sure enough, that was exactly what was holding things up! Was able to get it sorted quickly once I knew the exact problem. Definitely worth checking out if you're stuck in EFIN limbo.

If you really need to talk to someone at the IRS about your EFIN application but can't get through on the phone, I totally feel your pain. I spent DAYS hitting redial before I found https://claimyr.com - they basically hold your place in line with the IRS and call you when they get a rep on the phone. There's a demo of how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was super frustrated because my EFIN application was showing "In Process" for over a month with no movement. Using Claimyr, I got through to an actual IRS e-file department person who explained there was a discrepancy between my business address on my application and what they had on file from my EIN registration. Would have never known that just from the online status!

I need to eat my words about Claimyr from my skeptical comment earlier. After another full day of failed attempts to reach the IRS about my EFIN application, I broke down and tried it. I figured if it didn't work, I could just dispute the charge. Well, I got a call back in under 2 hours with an actual IRS e-file coordinator on the line! Turns out my application had been flagged for additional review because I had checked the wrong box about previously having an EFIN (I misunderstood a question). The agent was able to update this immediately, and my application was approved literally the next day. Wish I hadn't wasted a week trying to call on my own!

Just a tip from someone who went through this last year - make sure all your contact information is correct in your e-Services profile AND your EFIN application. My application was delayed because they tried to call me for verification but had my old phone number. Also, if your status has been "In Process" for more than 30 days, something might be wrong. In my case, they needed additional documentation but the letter got lost in the mail. I only found out when I finally reached someone by phone.

Quick question - does anyone know if the fingerprint cards have to be the specific ones from the IRS or can I use the standard FD-258 cards from my local police department? I'm about to submit my EFIN application but don't want any delays because of using the wrong form.

I went through this exact same process last year and the waiting is absolutely brutal! The "In Process" status is actually a good sign though - it means they've verified your fingerprints and background check is underway. From my experience and talking to others in my tax prep group, once you hit "In Process" you're typically looking at another 2-3 weeks for approval, sometimes up to 4 weeks during peak season. I know it's frustrating with tax season already started, but hang in there! One thing that helped me was setting up my tax software and getting all my client intake processes ready while waiting. That way when my EFIN finally came through (it was approved on a Tuesday morning), I was able to start e-filing that same day. Also make sure you're checking your e-Services account daily - sometimes the approval shows up there before you get the email notification. The sanitization delay you mentioned is unfortunately normal right now. They're still dealing with COVID protocols that add extra processing time to physical mail. Your timeline actually sounds pretty typical for this season.

I completely understand your stress about the EFIN timeline - I went through this same process two years ago and the waiting was agonizing! The good news is that your status change to "In Process" is actually a major milestone. This means they've successfully processed your fingerprints and all your documentation is in order. From what I've seen in our local tax preparers' group, once you hit "In Process" status, you're typically looking at 10-21 business days for final approval, depending on the current workload. The IRS has been pretty consistent with these timelines even with the increased volume they're dealing with. Since you submitted in January and it's now mid-February, you're actually in a pretty good position timing-wise. Many preparers who submitted in December are just now getting their approvals, so your January 5th submission should come through soon. My advice: use this waiting time productively. Get your tax software fully configured, create your client onboarding processes, and maybe even start gathering documents from existing clients. When your EFIN approval comes through (and it will!), you'll be ready to hit the ground running immediately. The worst thing is getting approved and then scrambling to set everything up. Hang in there - you're closer than you think!

I feel your pain! I just went through this process last year and the waiting is absolutely brutal. The fact that your status changed to "In Process" is actually really encouraging - that's when they start the final review stages. One thing I learned is that the IRS has been pretty consistent with their timelines once you hit "In Process" status. Based on my experience and others I've talked to, you're probably looking at another 2-4 weeks from here. I know that feels like forever when tax season is already underway, but you're actually still in decent shape timing-wise. My EFIN came through on March 3rd last year after hitting "In Process" in mid-February, and I was still able to have a successful tax season. A lot of clients don't even start thinking about their taxes until late February or March anyway. While you're waiting, I'd definitely recommend getting everything else ready - your software setup, security protocols, client intake processes, etc. That way when your approval hits, you can start filing immediately instead of spending another week getting organized. The approval can literally show up overnight, so being prepared is key! Keep checking that e-Services portal daily, and don't lose hope. You're much closer than it feels right now!