IRS announces new online services

News page and new web site introduced; e-file tool kits mailed out

The Internal Revenue Service has announced e-file Exchange, a news page for authorized IRS e-file providers. Whether you're a tax professional, software developer or a transmitter of electronic tax returns for individuals, you can read the latest information on the IRS e-file Exchange. This news page will provide the latest IRS e-file program updates, IRS e-file seminars, and other timely information that you'll need to know as an Authorized IRS e-file Provider. To visit e-file Exchange, go to www.irs.gov/elec_svs/ets2.html.

The IRS's Office of Excise Tax has its first home page, which can be found at www.irs.gov/excise. This new site initially provides information related to the Motor Fuel Industry, other Excise Tax areas will follow. The site features information on:

• ExSTARS (fuel transaction reporting) including an application to participate in the electronic filing program
  
• Terminal Control Number (TCN) Query Function to identify candidates for Tax Free Sales
  
• Links to Excise Tax-related forms, including access to "fillable forms"

Also, if you are a tax professional offering e-file services, you should know that the IRS mailed its e-file Marketing Tool Kit the week of December 11, 2000. If you are a tax professional accepted to e-file and you do not receive your tool kit by December 31,2000, you should contact your local IRS e-file Contact at www.irs.gov/elec_svs/eta-coord.html. The tool kit can be viewed at www.irs.gov/elec_svs/toolkit.html.

Edited by Bob Arguero, Managing Editor, GovCon