IRS warns tax professionals to be aware of EFIN scam email

The IRS is alerting tax professionals of a scam email impersonating various software companies in an attempt to steal Electronic Filing Identification Numbers (EFINs). 

The IRS warned that scammers are posing as tax software providers and requesting EFIN documents from tax professionals under the guise of a required verification to transmit tax returns. These thieves attempt to steal client data and tax preparers' identities, creating the potential for them to file fraudulent tax returns for refunds. 

The IRS has already received dozens of reports of the scam targeting tax professionals. They should be alert for a scam email that includes a U.S.-based area code for faxing EFIN documents and also provides instructions on obtaining EFIN documentation from the IRS e-Services site if unavailable. Scam variations use different fax numbers for software vendors. Other warning signs of a scam include inconsistencies in the email wording and a German footer in the email. 

The IRS cautions tax professionals who receive these should not respond to the email and should not proceed with any of the steps displayed in the email. The body of the fraudulent email states: 

Dear [recipient_email_address], 

Help us protect you. 

Because many Electronic Filing Identification Numbers (EFINs) are stolen each year and used to file fraudulent tax returns, the IRS has asked software vendors, such as Software A, to verify who the EFIN owner is by getting a copy of the IRS issued EFIN document(s). Our records show that we do not have a document for one or more of the EFINs that you transmit with. 

What this means for you: Until your EFIN is verified, you will be unable to transmit returns. Please provide a copy of your EFIN Account Summary from IRS e-Services, with a status of ‘Completed’, to Software B for verification. 

To send us your EFIN Summary document: 

Fax to Software B at 631-995-5984 

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUR PREPARER TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (PTIN) APPLICATION CANNOT BE USED AS DOCUMENTATION FOR YOUR EFIN. 

If you do not have the above documentation you can get a copy of your IRS Application Summary from IRS e-Services by following the below steps or call the IRS e-Services helpline at 866-255-0654. 

1. Sign in to your IRS e-Services account 

2. Choose your organization from the list provided and click Submit 

3. Click the Application link to access your existing application 

4. Click the e-File Application link 

5. Select the existing application link that applies to your organization 

6. Click the Application Summary link for the area of the application you wish to enter 

7. Click the Print Summary link at the bottom of the summary presented on the screen