Becoming an ERO in the Tax Industry

This course is your complete guide to becoming an Electronic Return Originator (ERO)—from understanding IRS regulations to building compliance systems that protect your business. You’ll learn the step-by-step process of applying for and managing your EFIN, keeping your office compliant, training your staff, and using your ERO status to grow a profitable tax business.

By the end of this course, you will:

  • Understand what an ERO is and the role it plays in the tax industry.

  • Know how to apply for, maintain, and renew your EFIN (Electronic Filing Identification Number).

  • Master IRS compliance, due diligence, and security requirements.

  • Build office systems for ethical e-filing.

  • Train and manage staff under your ERO authority.

  • Use your ERO status to expand your business (service bureau, software reseller, or multi-office expansion).

This isn’t just theory—you’ll walk away with practical tools, worksheets, and checklists to help you immediately put everything into action.



32 Lessons

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Introduction to the ERO Role

What is an ERO?

Why Becoming an ERO Matters for Your Business

IRS Oversight & Industry Expectations

ERO vs. Tax Preparer vs. Service Bureau

Getting Your EFIN & Becoming an ERO

Step-by-Step IRS EFIN Application Process

Fingerprinting & Suitability Checks

Timeline: From Application to Approval

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Compliance & IRS Requirements

IRS Publication 3112: Rules Every ERO Must Know

Maintaining ERO Compliance Year-Round

Due Diligence Checklists (Forms 8867 & Beyond)

Identity Theft Prevention & Data Security

Building Your ERO Office

Office Setup: Physical & Virtual Models

Staff Training & ERO Supervision

Document Retention & Recordkeeping Systems

Client Intake Processes for E-Filing

Technology & Software Management

Choosing IRS-Compliant Tax Software

E-Signature Rules & Digital Security

E-File Transmission Workflow

Backup, Cloud, and Data Recovery Planning

ERO Growth Opportunities

Adding Preparers Under Your EFIN

Becoming a Service Bureau & Offering Sub-EFINs

Partnerships, Affiliates, and Revenue Sharing Models

Expanding into Multi-Office Operations

Risk Management & Problem Resolution

Audits, Sanctions, and IRS ERO Monitoring

Common Violations & How to Prevent Them

Responding to IRS Notices & Suspensions

Maintaining Professional Reputation

Your Action Plan as a New ERO

30-Day ERO Setup Checklist

Annual Renewal & Compliance Calendar

Marketing Your ERO Authority

Long-Term Growth & Scaling Strategies