Week 7 of 12 · Professionalize
Tax workflow & professional boundaries
Milestone: Tax workflow map. Format: Workflow design + due-diligence cases.
Persona side project — your client list
When a prospect asks a tax question, use your boundaries script. Write the exchange in the roster notes. You may build clientele as a bookkeeper/advisor-in-training; you may not play unlicensed preparer.
Learning objectives
- Map tax-document intake from first request through organizer, review, and file handoff.
- Complete the program credential pathway: PTIN, CAF, EFIN, and ERO—through IRS processes, with instructor support.
- List due-diligence questions you will always ask before numbers are treated as final.
- Draw a bright line between bookkeeping support and any return you are not authorized to originate or sign.
Core instruction
Program-provided IRS pathway (PTIN · CAF · EFIN · ERO)
Empower Her does not invent government numbers. It walks each member through obtaining and completing the IRS identifiers used in professional tax practice, with supervised labs and checklists:
- PTIN — Preparer Tax Identification Number. Required for anyone who is paid to prepare all or substantially all of a federal return. You apply in the IRS PTIN system; the program provides the class time, documentation checklist, and confirmation that the application is complete.
- CAF — Centralized Authorization File number. Assigned when a valid power of attorney or tax-information authorization is processed. The program teaches when CAF is needed, how Form 2848/8821 work at a high level, and completes a practice packet so you are not learning this on a live client’s crisis day.
- EFIN — Electronic Filing Identification Number. The firm or e-file provider identifier after IRS e-file application and suitability. The program supports the application package, fingerprinting/suitability steps as required, and tracks completion—not a shortcut around IRS approval.
- ERO — Electronic Return Originator. The person or firm responsible for originating the electronic submission. You complete ERO duties training: due diligence, taxpayer authentication, recordkeeping, and Responsible Official / ERO acknowledgements as used in the lab.
These sit beside—not instead of—longer credentials (EA, CPA) if you choose them later. Until IRS approval is in hand, you do not hold yourself out as an authorized e-file originator.
Workflow map (minimum boxes)
Lead → organizer sent → documents received → completeness check → questions log → bookkeeping tie-out if applicable → handoff to the person who may sign/prepare as allowed → client review → e-file or delivery → archive.
Due diligence habits
- Whose name is on the document, and does it match the client?
- Is this the right year?
- Does this look altered, incomplete, or too round to be real? Flag it.
- Income stories must match deposits and prior-year patterns at a high level.
Boundaries
You will not invent deductions, guarantee refunds, or tell a client to ignore a notice. If you are not the authorized preparer, you prepare the file so that person can work—not so you can play one on the internet.
This week’s work
- Draw the tax workflow map for the assigned fact pattern.
- Complete the PTIN / CAF / EFIN / ERO checkpoint sheet (status: not started / submitted / issued / lab complete).
- Write a one-page professional-boundaries statement, including what you will not do before EFIN/ERO approval.
How we know you are ready
The map has a start, quality gates, and an archive. Boundaries are explicit. Red flags are named, not ignored.
Apply to a cohort Persona track
