Former CPA employer wants to use my EFIN

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#21
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[/quote] Several employees, one is a preparer.[/quote]

So there is no question of you employing him and signing off on his returns, after a proper review by you. It seems to me that you cannot help him, no matter how much you might want to. Good luck in navigating this unfortunate situation.
 

#22
CathysTaxes  
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Oh my! IRS tells him to stop using employee's EFIN so he wants to use yours? Since he's a close friend to you, my only suggestion is that he makes you a full partner.
Cathy
CathysTaxes
 

#23
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ItDepends wrote:According to him, the case was total BS and he re-applied for his CPA and the board approved it.


Have you confirmed this?

Most states make the status of CPA licenses public information.

It doesn't appear that Hawaii is any different:

https://pvl.ehawaii.gov/pvlsearch/captcha/index.html

Either way, it stinks to high heaven. If he doesn't have a PTIN, what is he putting in the paid preparer section?
 

#24
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It wreaks, yes. There's no way I would even consider being involved in it.

Just looking to turn him down in a way that saves the relationship.

If I can't, I will be disappointed, but I won't feel guilty, knowing that I had no choice based on the risk and the ethics.
 

#25
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It wreaks and it reeks.
 

#26
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:lol:
 

#27
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As it turns out, he's still not allowed to have an EFIN.

He says he has a PTIN, but has been advised not to use it.

I told him he can't file under mine. He's frustrated but he understands.

He has 2 clients for which he wants me to file taxes as they need filings to get their pending loans.

Am I at risk if I COMPLETELY engage with these clients on my own? For example, I collect their documents, 8879 signatures, engagement agreements, delivery of copies - the whole thing. Just take them.

I'm not worried about the preparation fees, but I want to bring this up because it may be a circumstantial factor:

One of these clients already paid him - it's a 2019 tax return that should have been filed a while ago.

The other is an admin employee of his - and there is no fee.

Thanks for your advice.
 

#28
novacpa  
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What did he do to cause all of this angst?
Do you know the facts?
Was he debarred by the IRS Office of Professional Conduct.
Was he or does he expect to be indicted by the Grand Jury?
How is he making ends meet?
 

#29
ATSMAN  
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He has 2 clients for which he wants me to file taxes as they need filings to get their pending loans.

Am I at risk if I COMPLETELY engage with these clients on my own? For example, I collect their documents, 8879 signatures, engagement agreements, delivery of copies - the whole thing. Just take them.


If he tells these two clients to engage you as their tax preparer and you use your EFIN and PTIN, then you are ok. This assumes that you will do your due diligence that you typically do for your own tax clients.

As for splitting the prep fee, that is no concern of IRS it is up to you guys :mrgreen:
 

#30
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Thanks, yes.

I'm not sure of his status. As far as I know, it is for a charge brought against him that is completely unrelated to taxes or his practice.

I've read about how you are not supposed to provide help or aide to a practitioner who has been sanctioned or censured in any way.

I also don't see how engaging 100% directly with (taking) his former clients will be a problem - just because I used to work for him years ago...
 

#31
sjrcpa  
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ItDepends wrote:As far as I know, it is for a charge brought against him that is completely unrelated to taxes or his practice.

Such as a felony?
 

#32
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I'm assuming, yes. It's awkward to ask him, and I've already refused to allow him to file under my EFIN.

But if his former client goes to H&R Block - it's not like H&R Block is considered to be helping him, right?

These would be totally separated engagements that does not involve him or his firm at all.
 

#33
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I told him no, and that I wouldn't help him with anything.

I was losing sleep over it.

My ability to practice is too large a part of my life.
 

#34
ATSMAN  
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ItDepends wrote:I told him no, and that I wouldn't help him with anything.

I was losing sleep over it.

My ability to practice is too large a part of my life.


Check this out man!

https://jr1040assist.com/

They provide a EFIN if you use their software


$499.99
We furnish all this!

Professional Tax Software
EFIN (Electronic Filing Identification Number)
Bank Product Enrollment
 

#35
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Wow, thanks ATS
 

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