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ETIN: Modifying Your IRS E-Services Application to E-file Forms 94x (Forms 941, 940, etc.)

An Electronic Transmitter Identification Number (ETIN) is required to e-file 941's, 940s, and related forms with CFS Payroll System.

It is not sufficient merely to have an Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) and be Electronic Return Originator (ERO). 

CFS is not a third-party transmitter.  CFS does not e-file the 941's (940's etc.); you do. Our E-file Federal Employment Tax Returns module will create files that you will need to upload to the IRS MEF System.

This article will guide you through the online procedure to obtain the required ETIN by adding the Transmitter option to your IRS E-Services account.

Additionally, these instructions will have you confirm that your EFIN/ERO service includes Forms 94X (see Steps 6 and 7 below).

If your IRS E-Services account does not already include the Electronic Return Originator option (or if your ERO doesn’t include Forms 94X), that service will also need to be added to your IRS E-Services account.

Finally, this article will discuss adding the Reporting Agent option to your IRS E-Services account (see Step 7 below).

Refer to IRS Publication 3112 for more information. You may also call IRS E-Services at: (866) 255-0654
  1. Visit E-file provider services and click Access e-file Application.
  2. Click Sign on with ID.me (or Create An Account if you haven’t already created an ID.me account). 
    If when creating an account you have phone camera difficulties under Self-Service, choose Video Chat Agent instead. See ID.me Help Center.
  3. Continue past your login history and click Individual, Firm Role or Organization to proceed to the ESAM page where All Applications can be viewed.
  4. Click the eye icon in the View/Edit column to view the application.
  5. Click Application Details.
  6. Under Provider Options, look to see what your existing Provider Options are. If you already have an “EFIN,” you should see the Provider Option of Electronic Return Originator. (If not, you will ADD that Provider Option in Step 7 below). The following illustration shows an IRS E-Services account with the Electronic Return Originator (“ERO”) provider service option:
    Note that under the “Forms” column, 94X is included (the 94X Series includes 941, 940, 943, 945, etc). If 94X is not included under the “Forms” column in your Electronic Return Originator row, then you will ADD the Provider Option of Electronic Return Originator as instructed in Step 7 below.
  7. A little further down the same Application Details webpage, click ADD PROVIDER OPTIONS. 
    The background color for "ADD PROVIDER OPTIONS" is blue, but the background color changes to amber (as in the illustration below) when you hover over or click it. 
    1. From the ADD PROVIDER OPTIONS drop-down menu, select the desired option.
      Although three possible options are circled in the illustration above, they can only be selected one at a time.
    2. If you do not already have the Electronic Return Originator option (“EFIN” number), or if your Electronic Return Originator service does not include Forms 94X, you will select the Electronic Return Originator Provider Option first.
    3. All users without an “ETIN” need to select the Transmitter option. 
      On the dialog window above, confirm that the selection for Service Type is correct (usually, “For Profit”). Note that Forms 94X are included by default. Select Save to move forward with your application modification process.
    4. You may also choose to Add the Reporting Agent option, if you have already submitted at least one Form 8655 by fax (even if only for your own company). See Form 8655 - Reporting Agent Authorization.
  8. If you plan to have an employee (or other business-related person, such as a member of your firm) e-file for you, you should add them as a Delegated User. Refer to IRS Publication 3112 for more information.
    In order for a Delegated User to LOG IN to the MEF System to E-file 941’s (940's, etc), they will need to login through their own ID.me login. This means they will need to create an ID.me account if they don’t already have one.
    1. You may ADD Delegated Users under this Tab of your E-services Application:
    2. You may ADD Delegated Users under this Tab of your E-services Application:
      The ADD button will change color when you select it.
    3. Choose “Delegated User” from the ADD dropdown choices, and enter your Delegated User information.
      This addition is not complete until you successfully sign and SUBMIT your revised application.
      You can add or remove Delegated User(s) in the future by accessing your E-service application, making changes and re-submitting your application.
  9. Some E-Services Accounts may need to complete an additional step before submitting their modified application.
    1. Before proceeding to the Application Submission tab, select the Application Summary tab.
    2. Scroll down until you see “Terms of Agreement Signature & Personal Information.” Look under the “Personal Suitability Answers and TOA Signature” column: 
    3. Click on any link provided in that column. Be sure all questions are answered appropriately. If this section has not been updated, the submission may fail with an error notice referencing FBI/TOA.
      You may also want to make sure the “Personal Credentials” and all other application information is up to date, under the various tabs.
  10. Input your 5-digit PIN and click Submit under the Application Submission tab. Your 5 digit PIN will be the same as you selected when you first applied for E-Services (or as modified). See below if you’ve forgotten your PIN.
    Your 5-digit PIN will be the same as you selected when you first applied for E-Services. If you've forgotten your PIN, click Modify PIN and simply select a new one.

Checking the status of your application

  1. In a day or two, log in to check the status of the application.
  2. If the Application Status is Completed, scroll down to the bottom of the Application Summary page to view your assigned ETIN(s).
  3. If the Application Status is not Completed, you may need to resubmit the application. Call IRS E-Services for assistance at (866) 255-0654
If you have questions, contact IRS E-Services at (866) 255-0654.

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