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IRS to Implement New Fingerprint Process for E-file

Starting September 25th of this year, the Internal Revenue Service is switching to a new process of collecting fingerprints when it comes to E-file applications for tax practitioners. They will be implementing an electronic process that will require tax professionals to use an IRS-Authorized vendor for fingerprinting.

How and When

If you need to mail the IRS fingerprint cards (Form FD-258) using the old process, the cutoff date is set to August 15th of this year. The cards also need to be postmarked by August of the same date, and the application must be submitted before sending the cards in the mail. After this date in August the IRS will stop processing any cards received they warned, and customers will need to wait until September 25th to schedule an electronic fingerprint appointment. This can be done by accessing the scheduling link located on the e-file application summary page.

Other measures being taken

Identity theft and data breaches are always something the IRS has struggled in the past to get under control. This new fingerprinting process is being implemented in hopes to improve its authentication procedures to avoid these controversies over biometric identification in the future, which erupted over this past year as they began to roll out selfie technology for accessing online taxpayer accounts. The IRS also plans to migrate its set of online services for tax professionals to the 3rd party vendor “ID.me” this summer.

Wrap Up

It is always important to know new rule changes and implementations when it comes to the IRS as you may never know when you or someone you will know will need them. If you ever are confused or have any questions about the IRS and its ever-changing rules and regulations you may want to contact your trusted financial advisor, as they can more likely than not provide you with the answer you’re looking for.

 
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