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Level 2
July 29, 2026
Question

Preparer address concerns (redux)

  • July 29, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 33 views

There was another thread (https://accountants.intuit.com/community/proseries-product-discussions-9/address-listed-for-preparer-74799) amongst I’m sure many others asking why Intuit won’t allow an e-filer with a home office to print their mailing address (e.g., a P.O. Box) instead of their home address on their clients’ tax forms.

Many of us are familiar with Intuit’s alleged “requirement” that the Preparer Address be the physical address on file with the IRS.  I confirmed just now with IRS e-services that’s just plain wrong.  The IRS e-services representative also confirmed that P.O. Boxes are permitted to be used as the Paid Preparer addresses printed on tax returns. 

The IRS rep also directed me to IRS Publication 3112 (https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3112.pdf) which has no such requirements.

After doing a bit of inquiry, I was told by a Lacerte Efin Verification representative (who was very helpful aside from not being able to resolve the issue) that they were told that that “it was determined through a security summit Intuit attended years ago.”

I don’t blame the representative, but this is an issue that’s especially important for the privacy (and safety) of any tax preparer with a home office.

    2 replies

    Just-Lisa-Now-
    Intuit Community Champion
    July 30, 2026

    I don’t know what’s “right” but I know that Intuit uses the info shown on the EFIN Summary Application, couldn’t you get a PMB with a street address and use that as the address on the EFIN Application?

    ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥Lisa♥¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪
    CALCOCPAAuthor
    Level 2
    July 30, 2026

    Unfortunately not.

    I actually confirmed with IRS e-services yesterday (7/29/26) that a PMB with a street address (e.g., via the UPS Store) is not acceptable.  The main address must be a physical address.

    Of course, someone could conceivably try to lie to the IRS about their physical address being that PMB with a street address, but that’s a big NO from me.