Did you know the IRS has a service that alerts Electronic Return Originators (EROs), Software Developers and Transmitters to e-file happenings almost at the very moment they occur? If not, then you’ve been missing out on some very helpful benefits provided by the push technology of the QuickAlerts Messaging System. Get on board now to become one of the thousands that receive “up-to-the-minute” information on e-file events.
What Is QuickAlerts?
QuickAlerts is a free online service that disseminates mass e-file messages, within seconds, to all "subscribed" individual and business e-file Software Developers, Transmitters and Authorized IRS e-file Providers.
Why Should You Subscribe?
This is a "free service" with options and convenience rolled into one single package. What could be easier than a "one-time subscription" to receive valuable and important e-file information, continuously, until you *unsubscribe?
How to Subscribe
It's simple. First, you must have an IRS-assigned EFIN or ETIN number that can be used as your official login or username. You will use the 5-digit "Year-round Mailing Address Zip Code" placed on your original Form 8633, Application to Become An Authorized IRS e-file Provider, as the password. Note: If you move and your Zip Code changes, QuickAlerts does not automatically update this change. You will need to continue using the old Zip Code until you physically change your password on the QuickAlerts Web site.
You can access the site directly at www.envoyprofiles.com/QuickAlerts. Second, the site opens up to the QuickAlerts Welcome screen. Click on the login hyperlink and proceed to the login page. Third, fill in all the necessary information as you proceed through each of the following screens. You must click "Save or Apply" - depending on the exposed screen - to register your information and in order to receive messages.
1) Contact (Profile) Screen – Complete as required. You must also enter the necessary information that will later (step 3) be associated with your "email address" in order to receive the QuickAlert messages.
2) Subscription (Category) Screen – Choose the message(s) that work best for you, even if it's all three (see section below, What Are The Benefits?).
3) Schedule Screen – QuickAlerts is a 24-hr/7-day a week messaging system that will allow the subscriber to receive QuickAlert messages via email. The phone and fax features will no longer be active after December 30, 2007.
What Are the Benefits?
There are three categories that provide all around e-file information which is certain to enhance your filing season. These categories are found on the Subscription Screen.
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Alerts – Processing delays, programming and telephone router problems, changes to any filing season procedure, PATS testing changes.
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General Notifications – Seminars, Conferences, e-file publication changes.
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General IRS e-file Service Center Messages – IRS e-file program updates, general information, service center maintenance schedules, IRS e-file Help Desk phone numbers and more.
If you have followed the steps above, the Schedule Screen will reflect your email selection (on the lower half of that screen). It is important to remember that to have your email selection reflect on the Schedule Screen page, there must be a previous entry placed on the Contact/Profile Screen (see Contact/Profile Screen section above, under "How to Subscribe").
Another benefit is the QuickAlerts Library. The library stores previously posted messages. If you've missed any of the filing season messages, click on the following link to see older and previously posted Quickalerts: QuickAlerts Library
Problems Logging On to QuickAlerts?
Help is available at Log-In Questions and Answers. You can also find answers to log-in problems by clicking on "Log-in Problems? click here" located at the bottom of the log-in screen on the QuickAlerts Web site.
If the questions or information shown above do not apply to your situation, you may send us an email at QuickAlerts@irs.gov.
Special Notice: From pre-file through the end of filing season, the QuickAlerts mailbox receives "volumes of email." Therefore, normal response times will be delayed during this timeframe. We truly apologize in advance for any inconvenience this might cause you and will work expeditiously to respond as quickly as possible.
Updating or Correcting Subscription Information Online
Later on, after your initial subscription, you may find it necessary to update your contact information. This is a required action in order for you to continue receiving messages. Email addresses and telephone number changes can be completed by accessing the QuickAlerts Web site, clicking on Profile/Contact Screen (from the top drop-down menu), entering the new information and clicking on Save.
*How to Unsubscribe
- Access QuickAlerts online and delete the information placed on the Contact Screen - click on Save,
or..
- Access the Edit Schedule Screen and click on "delete". You will no longer receive messages after you "delete and save" on this screen.
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