Kamini

It looks like the other accountant is NOT using my boss' EFIN. Which is good! Because that would have been a problem. Thanks again!

Hi Judy, thanks! I have to do a little more digging around, but I think we're in the clear. I would personally get a replacement EFIN just in case. I don't know how far the tax software would go as far as verifying that the EFIN you're using is actually yours and not 'borrowed'. I'll let you know what happens!

Hi Judy, At this time, I prepare taxes on behalf of my boss' business ONLY. I applied for my own EFIN, so that when I prepare taxes for my clients, I will use my own EFIN, firm name, tax software, etc. The fired accountant, he prepared taxes for his clients using my boss' EFIN, firm name, but his own PTIN (as far as I know). Currently, since I am taking a course on tax prep and getting myself certified, I have no tax prep clients, only bookkeeping clients. I'll probably start taxes for my own clients in 2022. I'm asking because my boss doesn't have the time or the internet savvy. And as for best practices, you're right! He should have been doing this already. He wouldn't have this concern if he were. So can the fired accountant use the EFIN without my boss' knowledge? It appears that he can. I don't know if he'll have to use any verification in the tax software. If he IS using it secretly, does that mean my boss will have to apply for a new EFIN? Does that mean it will take him 45 days? Thanks Judy!

Hi everyone! My boss recently fired an accountant. This accountant was with his firm for about 18 years, so a long time. But this accountant may not have his own EFIN because he worked for my boss for so long. Right now, his access to our tax software and any remote access to the computers have been revoked. Which means in order to prepare any taxes for any of his own clients, he would need his own software. My question is, since he may not have his own EFIN, is it possible for him to use my boss' EFIN without his awareness? I have my own side bookkeeping and tax business, and I see that under the EFIN portal for tax preparers, there's a log that shows all taxes submitted in the current year. Would this be the correct place to check (under my boss' EFIN) if returns are being filed secretly? If this is indeed happening, I suspect it's illegal and must be reported. Thank you! I'm very interested in hearing your thoughts.