To check your EFIN status with IRS e-Services, sign in through ID.me, open the e-file Application from the dashboard, select your organization to reach the Application Summary screen, and click the “EFIN Status” link. The page shows your six-digit Electronic Filing Identification Number, whether the IRS currently authorizes your firm to transmit returns, which forms and schedules you’re cleared to file for the calendar year, and a weekly-updated count of returns received under your number.1Internal Revenue Service. How to Maintain, Monitor and Protect Your EFIN
What You Need Before Signing In
The IRS routes e-Services logins through ID.me for identity verification.2Internal Revenue Service. New Identity Verification Process to Access Certain IRS Online Tools and Services If you already have an ID.me account, you’ll enter your email and password and then clear a multi-factor authentication step, usually a code sent to your phone or an authenticator app. That second step runs every time.
Setting up ID.me for the first time takes longer. You upload a photo of a government-issued ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport) and record a video selfie. If the selfie step fails after several tries, ID.me routes you to a short video call with an agent. Once verified, the same account works across IRS online tools.
Keep your professional credentials nearby before you sign in, particularly your PTIN and any CAF number tied to the account. The portal is accessible through the e-file provider services area of the IRS site for tax professionals.3Internal Revenue Service. E-file Provider Services
Steps to Reach the EFIN Status Page
Once you’re in, select the e-file Application link on the main e-Services dashboard.3Internal Revenue Service. E-file Provider Services You’ll see every application tied to your account, including pending and completed ones. From there:
- Select the organization associated with the EFIN you want to check.
- Click the View/Edit icon to open the full application.
- Click the EFIN Status link in the menu at the top of the Application Summary screen.
- Scroll to the bottom of the EFIN Status page for the return-count statistics.
The page displays your six-digit EFIN, whether it’s active, and which forms and schedules your firm is authorized to transmit for the current calendar year.1Internal Revenue Service. How to Maintain, Monitor and Protect Your EFIN The return statistics refresh weekly during filing season.
What the Status Indicators Mean
You’ll see one of a few status labels, and each one carries different consequences for your ability to transmit returns.
- Active. The IRS finished its suitability check and your firm is cleared to e-file. Nothing to do.
- Pending. Your application is still under review. That review can include fingerprint processing, a credit check, tax compliance verification, and a criminal background check, and it can take up to 45 days from the submission date.4Internal Revenue Service. Become an Authorized E-file Provider
- Inactive. Your firm hasn’t used the EFIN for two years. To e-file again, submit a new application.5Internal Revenue Service. FAQs About Electronic Filing Identification Numbers (EFIN)
- Suspended. The IRS has placed a hold on the account, typically over a suitability issue or disciplinary matter. Depending on the violation, suspensions can lead to fines or permanent removal from the program.
Any status other than Active needs to be resolved before you transmit; returns submitted under a non-active EFIN will be rejected. For questions about a specific status, the IRS e-help Desk is at 866-255-0654, 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Central time.5Internal Revenue Service. FAQs About Electronic Filing Identification Numbers (EFIN)
Use the Return Counts to Spot Unauthorized Use
The return-count section of the status page is the reason to check regularly, not just once. It shows how many returns the IRS received under your EFIN, updated weekly. Compare that number against your own transmission records. If the IRS count runs meaningfully higher than what you sent, someone may be filing under your EFIN.1Internal Revenue Service. How to Maintain, Monitor and Protect Your EFIN
If you suspect misuse, call the IRS e-help Desk at 866-255-0654 right away.5Internal Revenue Service. FAQs About Electronic Filing Identification Numbers (EFIN) Also submit Form 14039-B, Business Identity Theft Affidavit, to formally report the misuse.6Internal Revenue Service. Report Identity Theft for a Business The IRS recommends checking your EFIN statistics through the filing season rather than waiting until it ends.
When Your Status Requires Action
Your e-file application has to be updated within 30 days of any change to your firm’s information, including a new business address, phone number, or the individuals listed on the application. Missing that window can cause the EFIN to be inactivated.1Internal Revenue Service. How to Maintain, Monitor and Protect Your EFIN Address and phone updates are handled through the Firm Information tab; adding or removing a principal or responsible official requires resubmitting the full application, and the new individual has to clear a suitability check that can take up to 45 days.4Internal Revenue Service. Become an Authorized E-file Provider
If your status reflects a denial or suspension, you have appeal rights. After a second denial letter or a recommended sanction letter, you have 30 calendar days from the date on the letter to submit a written appeal with supporting documentation, sent to the office identified in the letter.7Internal Revenue Service. IRM 8.7.13 E-file Cases Missing the 30-day deadline permanently ends both the administrative review and any further appeal to the IRS Independent Office of Appeals, whose decision is otherwise final and binding.8Internal Revenue Service. IRM 3.42.10 Authorized IRS E-file Providers The clock doesn’t pause for filing-season workload or holidays. Keep copies of everything you send.