Filing returns and extensions electronically for another preparer


You can electronically file returns and extensions for another preparer who is using ProSeries. When you do, you’re the ERO (Electronic Return Originator), but the preparer is another person. How you handle this situation depends on whether the other preparer’s information is included in the Firm/Preparer Info section of the Options dialog box in your copy of the ProSeries program.

For more information about these situations, refer to the next two sections:

If the other preparer’s information is in your copy of ProSeries

If the other preparer’s firm and preparer information is included in the Firm/Preparer Info section of the Options dialog box in your copy of the ProSeries program, take the following steps:

  1. Make sure you have access to the client file with the return(s) or extension that you’re going to file electronically.
  2. Start ProSeries, then open the applicable client file.
  3. Scroll down the Federal Information Worksheet to Part IV - Filing Information and verify that the other preparer’s preparer code is entered on the first line of the section.
  4. Go to the Forms Bar and double-click EF Info Wks to go to the Electronic Filing Information Worksheet.
  5. Scroll down the Electronic Filing Information Worksheet to the Electronic Return Originator Information section, then enter your preparer code on the last line of the section, Enter a Preparer Code from the Firm/Preparer Info to assign a different ERO to this return.



    6. ProSeries replaces the other preparer’s information with your information in the Electronic Return Originator Information section.

  6. Go to the File menu and choose Save Client.
  7. Go to the toolbar and click the HomeBase button to return to HomeBase.
  8. Convert and transmit the client’s return(s) or extension from the HomeBase EF Center when you’re ready.

If the other preparer’s information isn’t in your copy of ProSeries

You can file returns and extensions electronically for a preparer from another firm who’s using a separate copy of the ProSeries program. Under those circumstances, the other preparer’s firm and preparer information is included in the Firm/Preparer Info section of the Options dialog box in his or her copy of the ProSeries program, but it isn’t in the Firm/Preparer Info section of the Options dialog box in your copy of the ProSeries program.

If the other preparer’s firm and preparer information isn’t included in the Firm/Preparer Info section of the Options dialog box in your copy of the ProSeries program, take the following steps:

  1. Make sure you have access to the client file with the return(s) or extension that you’re going to file electronically.
  2. Start ProSeries, then open the applicable client file.
  3. Scroll down the Federal Information Worksheet to Part IV - Filing Information and verify that your preparer code is entered on the first line of the section (so the ProSeries program will identify your firm as the ERO).
  4. Go to the Forms Bar and double-click EF Info Wks to go to the Electronic Filing Information Worksheet.
  5. Scroll down the Electronic Filing Information Worksheet to the Paid Preparer Information section.
  6. Go to the last line of the section, which starts with If your firm is ONLY the ERO and the return being transmitted was not prepared by your firm, and select the field.



  7. Click the magnifying glass icon to open the Alternative Firm/Preparer Info dialog box.



  8. Enter the other preparer’s firm information in the Alternative EF Firm Information section of the Alternative Firm/Preparer Info dialog box.
  9. Enter the other preparer’s preparer information in the Alternative EF Preparer Information section of the Alternative Firm/Preparer Info dialog box.

    10. Tip:

    Firm and preparer information. Make sure you enter the correct firm and preparer information in the Alternative Firm/Preparer Info dialog box.

  10. If you enter information about more than one alternative firm, use the Firm # and Associated With Firm # fields to associate each alternative preparer with the appropriate alternative firm.
  11. Click the Print button if you want to print the information in the dialog box.
  12. When you finish entering information, click the Save button to save the information that you entered and to close the Alternative Firm/Preparer Info dialog box.
  13. Enter the other preparer’s preparer code on the last line of the Paid Preparer Information section of the Electronic Filing Information Worksheet.

    14. ProSeries replaces your preparer information with the other preparer’s information in the Paid Preparer Information section.

  14. Go to the File menu and choose Save Client.
  15. Go to the toolbar and click the EF Center button to go to the EF Center.
  16. Convert and transmit the client’s return(s) or extension from the HomeBase EF Center when you’re ready.

    17. Important:

    The Form 1040 Paid Preparer section will indicate either See Form 8453 or IRS e-file Authentication Statement. The alternative paid preparer information will appear only in the Paid Preparer section of Form 8453 and on the Electronic Filing Information Worksheet.



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