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Drake Software User’s ManualAppendix A: Preseason ChecklistAppendix A: Preseason ChecklistPreseason planning can reduce or eliminate many problems for tax preparers. Take time now to prepare forthe months ahead and ensure that your office is ready before the first client arrives. The needs of eachoffice vary in the months before tax season, but your preparations might include the actions listed here.Several of the items below refer to Drake Support, which you can find at Support.DrakeSoftware.com.Contact the IRS Apply for Electronic Filer’s Identification Number (EFIN) — All new EROs must completeand submit Form 8633, Application to Participate in the IRS e-file Program, to the IRS in order toreceive an EFIN. If you are a new ERO and are not a CPA, EA, attorney, banking official, orofficer of a publicly held company, you will also need to submit a fingerprint card. Authorized EROs do not need to file Form 8633 unless (1) their firm or filing information haschanged since 2007, or (2) they are going to start e-filing business forms this year. You can reviseyour Form 8633 online at www.irs.gov after signing up for the IRS e-services program. Obtain IRS publications — Order publications from the IRS or print them directly from the IRSWeb site.Contact the States Obtain state applications — Some states require e-file applications and many states now enforcee-file mandates. Contact those states early to apply. State data is available on the Federal/StateFacts page at the Drake Support site. Check state requirements for bank products — Check with your state for special applications tooffer bank products. Contact applicable states that could require different forms. Check for state e-filing mandates — Mandates vary from state to state. Check state requirements for business returns — E-filing requirements vary.Contact Drake Notify Drake of changes — Inform us of changes to your firm’s EFIN, phone, address, contactperson, e-mail, etc. E-mail accounting@drakesoftware.com, call (828) 349-5900, or make changesonline at the Drake Support site.Prepare to Offer Bank Products Complete the Drake bank application at the Drake Support site. Choose a bank — Review bank information, then complete the application or contract.Tax Year 2008 A-1