ERO's

With 941Express 2009, Lewis Software Associates, LLC continues support of the Electronic Returns Originator. This definition is the same as is typically supported within Individual e-File programs. The IRS now allows an ERO to file business returns for their clients and file through a 3rd party transmitter. This means that the ERO does not need to transmit anything to the IRS directly, but will file all of their business returns through this transmitter. Lewis Software is the transmitter for this option and will charge a per-return fee for each return processed. A small registration fee will allow the ERO to transmit returns at a lesser price than a full fledged Business Taxpayer.

As an ERO, it is necessary for you to have the following requirements.

1. An ERO must have an EFIN number already from the IRS, or needs to apply using IRS Form 8633

2. An ERO must alter their 8633 to include filing 940, 941 and 944 returns in the XML format. The IRS will reject all returns if this is not completed to the filing of live returns.

3. You must pay the 1 year registration fee to turn on the ERO feature within 941Express.

4. As an ERO, you must send an electronic registration in to Lewis Software for each company that you will be filing for. This registration will provide a PIN number that acts as the electronic signature.

As an ERO, once you have satisfied all of the requirements stated above and your customers have received their PIN numbers from the IRS, you will be ready to file your business returns utilizing 941Express. Please note when registering your clients, you must use their address and contact information. Next you can create returns and transmit them to Lewis Software for further processing. Once we receive you returns they will be batched and sent to the IRS within 24 hours. After we retrieve the acknowledgment, we will send an e-mail to you with the status of each return that you have filed. Since the ERO option is based on volume, it is possible for you to transmit all returns and to receive an invoice at the end of the quarter. The payment options for credit card will also be available upon filing so you can utilize that method as well if you wish.