• This error indicates there is an issue with your EFIN.
• In order to access e-Services a tax pro needs to operate under an EFIN.
• The user can either be the principal on the EFIN or a Delegated User.
• Every May the IRS purges EFINs that do not file returns. The issue is the IRS allows EA, CPA and Attorneys to access e-Services with an EFIN that does not file returns, but the EFIN unit does not check before cancelling the EFIN.

Instructions to fix this error is as follows:

1. Log into the IRS:
2. Check the status of your EFIN by logging in here (Select Individual on Organization Page to see all EFINS): https://la.www4.irs.gov/esrv/esam/pages/landingPage.xhtml You will need to click the edit (eyeball icon) and click on EFIN status to see your status. If it is inactive they will reactivate if it is cancelled you will need to re-apply which can take weeks. Fix is below.
3. Here is an example when the IRS cancelled mine. They call it drop. They have actually done it twice once in 2018 and one in 2022
   
4. To fix you can switch to another EFIN that has not been dropped OR…
5. Call e-Help Desk (has to be the Principal or Responsible Party listed on EFIN. Delegated Users cannot call.
6. After it is reactivated you may need to re-setup THS login process because the EFIN probably changed and requires this.

The IRS uses a firewall service named Akamai that occasionally blocks an IP from IRS.gov. These blocks usually last anywhere from a couple of minutes to 24 hours.

The IRS has advised logging in multiple times with the same set of credential simultaneously can cause it. This is not always the case sometimes it is unknown what triggers the block. The IRS has advised it is not caused by THS interacting with the API.

THS now has an autologin method that bypasses the Akamai firewall and has less issues. This is the method the IRS recommended we use.

99% of the time if the program fails to install or the update fails it is caused by the antivirus or firewall on the users computer. Try temporarily disabling the software and trying again. Occasionally, a system file needs to be renamed after the uninstall. go to C:\Users\”your user profile”\AppData\LocalIf that does not work contact us 404-910-3605 or support@AuditDetective.com. This error often looks like this (or similar):

Currently, all the Tax Help Software products access Tax Transcripts through the IRS E-Services Portal. For the network version non e-Service users can access the program. When setting the the program password select the checkbox for non e-Service users. 

• CMS.exe
• ADTranscriptUploader.exe
• THSReportProcessor.exe
• THSRequester.exe

• Trend Micro exclusion instructions
• Trend Micro alternative instructions if first option not working
• Avast exclusion instructions
• Norton exclusion instructions

99% of the time this indicates the CAF number was improperly input when setting up the system. Please follow these steps carefully to rectify the issue.

1. Please call the IRS Priority Practitioner Service at 866-860-4259 and confirm your CAF Number and that your 2848 or 8821 has been processed. It usually takes 3-5 business days for 2848/8821 acceptance. Also, be aware need the CAF number assigned to the tax professional. CAF’s assigned to businesses cannot be used with the Transcript Delivery System.
2. PLEASE DO NOT SKIP STEP 1. Many users skip this step because they are positive they know their CAF number because they have used it for years. The IRS does on occasion change CAF numbers especially when there has been a name change. Also, just because you have been putting this CAF number on 2848/8821 forms and getting transcripts via fax does not mean it is correct. The IRS does not input your CAF number into the system when entering 2848/8821 forms. It populates automatically when they bring you up in their system by name and enrollment number (or CPA/Attorney number).
3. Log into E-Services directly and request a transcript using the verified CAF number. Request at least one transcript for someone you know you have a 2848/8821 Form processed. If it does not pass the CAF Check and you followed Steps 1 & 2 please call us at 404-910-3605.
4. To re-enter your CAF into the THS program just click on the “Update E-Service Info” button on the login screen. Enter your Username, password, and CAF number and then select “OK” if you already have an Organization selected (if not retrieve your organizations and select the proper one).
5. Request a CAF Check or a transcript request. Once you have one successful request your CAF is verified.
6. The CAF number does not have a direct contact number but the IRS does have IRS Stakeholder Liaisons that can help if there is an issue with your CAF. Click Here for their contact info.

Please complete a support ticket at the top of this page and include your license number (this is a bunch of random letters separated by hyphens and explain you got the hardware ID message and we will reset your license.

This occurs when the license is being installed multiple times or the hardware on the original machine has changed.

If you get an error stating unable to install THS Printer run the manual install at the following link:

THS PDF PRINTER INSTALLATION

This indicates that there is an ID Theft Indicator on the account. When an ID Theft Indicator exists there is no way to download the transcripts electronically. You can call the IRS ID Theft Protection Unit and request them via fax under POA, 8821, or have the client call directly. The number is: 800-908-4490

A CAF number is required by the IRS to use the IRS Transcript Delivery System (TDS). If you do not have a CAF number check out the e-Services FAQ also on this page.

A CAF number is a unique nine-digit identification number and is assigned the first time you file a third party authorization with IRS. A letter is sent to you informing you of your assigned CAF number. Use your assigned CAF number on all future authorizations.

CAF numbers are different from the third party’s TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number), EIN (Employer Identification Number) or PTIN (Preparer Identification Number). CAF numbers may be assigned to an individual or a business entity.

If you are a tax professional and cannot remember your CAF number, you may call the Practitioner Priority Service, otherwise known as PPS. PPS may be reached at 866-860-4259. A PPS assistor will initiate the process to help you retrieve your CAF number once you provide your authenticating information.

2 Issues

1. In November 2022 THS users using Webroot Endpoint Anti-Virus started reporting their computer was crashing and rebooting or BSOD when attempting to download transcripts. The issue was identified as a corrupt Webroot file that was crashing the computer when it was monitoring THS. The corrupt Webroot file C:\Windows\System32\drivers\WRkrn.sys  Users reported their are multiple fixes on the Webroot support pages. Some reported if they rename or replace the file it fixes the issue. This is a system file so we recommend checking with Webroot support.
2. The second issue with Webroot is that it is locking transcripts and batch files during transcript downloads causing THS to have errors indicated by a “this file is locked by another process”. We are not sure what the fix is yet but Webroot should not be locking files. Current recommendation is to reach out to Webroot support.