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In this issue:

• Have you applied for/renewed your PTIN?
• Are you ready to e-file W2s and 1099s?
• Form Starter Kits
• New Release Date for Payroll Corrector
• CFS won't leave you hanging!

Have you applied for/renewed your PTIN?
Last year, the IRS notified tax preparers of the new requirement to obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) prior to preparing tax returns. Those who already have a PTIN must renew it each year by December 31st.

The paper application, Form W-12, takes 4-6 weeks to process—in other words, it may already be too late to apply or renew by mail. However, preparers can easily apply or renew online in minutes.

And don't forget that starting in January, any paid preparer or firm that prepares and files eleven or more returns must use IRS e-file. To become an Authorized IRS e-file Provider, you must create an e-Services account, submit an EFIN application and pass a suitability check. Click here for more information.

Are you ready to e-file W2s and 1099s?
If you will be using W2/1099 Payroll System and the W2/1099 E-file Add-on to e-file W2s and/or 1099s, there are several requirements you should be aware of.

Before e-filing Forms W-2 for the first time via Social Security's Business Services Online, you must have:

• an EIN (file Form SS-4) and
• a User ID (call SSA at 1-800-772-6270)

Before e-filing Forms 1099 for the first time via the IRS FIRE System, you must have:

• an EIN (file Form SS-4) and
• a TCC number (file Form 4419)

Note: You must apply for the above at least 30 days before you plan to file. Passwords for both Social Security and IRS web sites must be changed at least every 90 days to keep them from expiring.

Forms SS-4 and 4419 are included in CFS Payroll System, as are links to the Social Security and IRS web sites. We have also posted Instructional Videos on our web site explaining the e-file process for W2s and 1099s.

This year, we have added Form W-2G to the W2/1099 E-file Add-on, as well as support for several new states. For more information or to purchase the program, click here.

Form Starter Kits
2011 form starter kits have been mailed to many of our W2/1099 customers. The starter kit contains a sampling of 1096 and 1099 copy A's, blank perforated stock and envelopes. The starter kit is free to customers who renewed their W2/1099 program by May 31st. For customers who did not renew early or who wish to order additional kits, they can be purchased for $39. If you need larger quantities of forms, please order at our online store.

New Release Date for Payroll Corrector
Beginning next year, Payroll Return Corrector will be released in January rather than September, so that users will have earlier access to the latest Forms 941x, 943x, 944x, and 945x. The program may also be used to correct W-2s from prior years by importing prior year data, and may be used to correct 2012 W-2s after W2/1099 Payroll System is released.

CFS won't leave you hanging!
When you call CFS for technical support, our customer service representatives do their best to quickly connect you directly to a support technician. However, this is not always possible, especially during the December-January busy season. And when it isn't possible, some customers ask why, rather than having a support technician call them back, they can't just remain on hold until someone is available.

Our goal is to keep no customer on hold for longer than three minutes. We don't want you to be stuck on the phone when your time could be better spent doing something else. Also, each customer that is on hold ties up a line that another customer could be using to get through to us. Given the number of phone lines, customer service representatives, and support technicians we have available, we feel that our system is the most efficient way of handling calls.

Happy Thanksgiving!

CFS Customer Service

	TaxTools '11 & '12 . . . . . . . . . . $189
	Financial Planning Tools '11 & '12 . . $550
	CA Sales Tax Preparer '11 & '12. . . . $119
	CA 571 Preparer '11 & '12. . . . . . . $ 99
	MD Personal Property '11 & '12 . . . . $179
	Quick Reference Guide '11 & '12. . . . $ 39
	Tax Corresponder '11 & '12 . . . . . . $ 49
	W4 Calculator '11 & '12. . . . . . . . $ 89

Please contact us if you would like to discontinue this free monthly service.