Bring your firm to Lanatax
We provide the software and the IRS transmission channel; your firm files as itself, under its own credentials. Three requirements — then every return is identified correctly, automatically.
1 — Your own EFIN with the ERO option
Your firm files under its own identity, so you need your own IRS e-file application with the Electronic Return Originator option. IRS rules (Pub 3112) don’t allow firms to share EFINs — and if you already e-file today, you already have one. New to e-file? Apply through IRS e-Services; plan on about 45 days for fingerprinting and suitability.
2 — We verify your EFIN
After you sign up, enter your EFIN and ERO PIN in your firm settings and send us a copy of your IRS e-file application summary (a one-page PDF from e-Services). We keep it on file — the IRS requires transmitters to transmit only for authorized EROs. Production e-filing unlocks the moment your EFIN is verified.
3 — Each preparer adds their PTIN
Every return you file identifies the preparer who made it — name and PTIN — automatically, from whoever is signed in preparing it. Each of your preparers adds their PTIN to their profile once, and every return they touch is properly identified from then on.
What you will never need
IRS Pub 3112 expressly allows EROs to contract with an accepted third-party transmitter. That transmitter is Lanatax — the transmission side is entirely ours to run and maintain.
Who provides what
| Identity on the return | Who provides it |
|---|---|
| Tax software + IRS Software ID | LanaTax — every return carries it, you never need your own |
| IRS transmission channel (ETIN, certificates, MeF connection) | LanaTax — we transmit for you; firms never need an ETIN |
| EFIN (ERO — who originates the return) | Your firm — your returns file under YOUR EFIN, never anyone else’s |
| Firm name, EIN, address | Your firm — printed and transmitted in the paid-preparer section |
| Preparer name + PTIN | Each preparer — resolved per return, automatically |
How your returns flow
Your preparer signs in and prepares → the return is originated under YOUR firm’s EFIN, signed under your EFIN, identified as prepared by that preparer of your firm, built with Lanatax software → transmitted to the IRS through our channel. Everything resolves from your firm settings and preparer profiles — nothing to configure per return.