IRS Transcript Delivery System (TDS) Access Setup Guide

Getting Started: Choose Your Path

The TDS is how the IRS manages tax data access and delivery via API automation and security. The IRS TDS provides immediate, secure electronic access to taxpayer transcripts, drastically reducing processing times for tax professionals and financial institutions.

Most users should follow Guide 1, the complete setup guide. At Step 3 you'll choose the route that matches your professional background — the Circular 230 route for credentialed professionals, or the ERO route for advisors without credentials. The other guides cover a lower-barrier manual alternative and a quick check for firms that are already set up.

Guide 1: Setting Up IRS TDS Access

• Best for: Anyone setting up TDS access for the first time. Walks through PTIN, e-Services, and the e-file application, where you'll choose the Circular 230 route (CPAs, Enrolled Agents, Attorneys) or the ERO route (advisors without credentials).

Guide 2: Manual Transcripts via Form 8821, PPS, and the SOR Mailbox

• Best for: Advisors who hold a PTIN and want the lowest barrier to entry — retrieving transcripts manually without an EFIN or e-file application. Note: this route does not flow automatically into Holistiplan and requires manual upload.

Guide 3: For Firms That Already Have an ERO

• Best for: Accounting firms and advisors who are already Authorized IRS e-file Providers and simply need to confirm their existing TDS access is working.
  
  

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Guide 1: Setting Up IRS TDS Access

This is the complete, step-by-step guide to obtaining TDS access. It assumes you do not yet have a Tax Pro Account or a completed e-file application. Steps 1 and 2 are the same for everyone. At Step 3, you'll choose the route that fits your professional background.

Step 1: Obtain or Confirm Your PTIN

A Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) is required before anything else.

1. Go to irs.gov/ptin
2. If you do not have one, select Create an Account and complete the online application (the PTIN registration fee is currently $19.75 per year)
3. If you already have one, confirm it is active and current — PTINs must be renewed annually
4. Keep your PTIN handy; you'll need it throughout this process
   
   

Step 2: Create an IRS e-Services Account

1. Go to irs.gov/eservices
2. Click Create a New Account.
3. You will be directed to ID.me for identity verification. Have the following ready:
   1. Social Security Number
   2. Government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
   3. Access to your phone or email for multi-factor authentication
4. Complete the ID.me verification process, which may include a live video selfie
5. Once verified, you are returned to e-Services to finalize your profile
6. Record your login credentials securely. You'll use this account for all IRS e-Services tools going forward.
   
   

Step 3: Complete the IRS e-File Application — Choose Your Route

This step establishes your access to the Transcript Delivery System. How you complete the e-file application depends on your professional background. Review the two routes below and choose the one that fits. If neither works for you, see the alternative at the end of this step.

Route A: The Circular 230 Route (for credentialed professionals — CPAs, Enrolled Agents, Attorneys)

What this entails: Circular 230 attorneys, CPAs, and enrolled agents can obtain e-Services TDS access without becoming an active e-file provider. You complete the IRS e-file application solely to gain e-Services access and pass the same suitability check required of EROs. An EFIN is issued at the end, but you never have to use it for e-filing, and you are not required to file any returns. This is the most direct route for credentialed professionals.

1. Access the e-file application. Sign in to the e-Services account created in Step 2. The system takes you to the External Services Authorization Management page. Select New Application, then e-file Application from the drop-down.
2. Enter firm information.
3. Choose Sole-Proprietorship as the Business Type when completing the application for the sole purpose of obtaining e-Services access.
4. Enter your SSN or your sole-proprietor EIN along with your first and last name.
5. A Doing Business As (DBA) name is not necessary but can be created if you like.
6. Enter the required address and telephone information for your place of business or home, and indicate whether the IRS should use this address to send mail related to the e-file application.
7. Answer the question about providing services year-round.
8. Check the No box for the question: "Do you want your firm/organization's contact information posted on the irs.gov public website?"
9. Click Continue.
10. Add authorized users.
11. Select Add, then Principal, and enter information in all required fields for yourself as principal.
12. Check Add this person as a Responsible Official and Add this person as a Primary Contact, then click Save.
13. Your information from the Principal's screen is automatically populated as the Responsible Official.
14. Don't enter an Alternate Contact.
15. You are not entitled to authorize any Delegated Users unless you are an e-file participant filing five or more returns.
16. Click Continue.
17. Enter application details.
18. Click Add Provider Option to choose Electronic Return Originator.
19. Choose For-Profit as your business activity.
20. Click Continue.
21. Complete the application summary. Verify that all information is correct, using the tabs along the top to update anything that isn't. Then complete the following:
22. Firm Suitability Questions: Select Update Firm Suitability Answers on the Application Summary (at the bottom of Firm Information), answer the two questions, and click Save.
23. Personal Credentials: Complete the Professional Credentials by selecting Add Credential, then selecting the type of credential you are entering and completing the required fields.
24. Personal Suitability Answers and TOA Signature: Select Personal Suitability Answers and TOA Signature, complete the required fields, sign using your e-Services PIN, and click Save.
25. Add application comments. Click the Add Comments button and enter: "Circular 230 applying to obtain e-Services access". This will not affect your ability to participate in IRS e-file should you choose to do so in the future. Click Continue.
26. Submit the application. Enter your registration PIN to sign the application and click Submit. A tracking number is generated upon the initial save of the application and is available on the summary screen.
27. Completion. Upon completion of your application, the IRS will send an e-file acceptance letter containing your EFIN. When you receive this letter, contact the e-Help Desk at 866-255-0654 to have transcript delivery services turned on. You won't need to use this EFIN unless you decide to provide e-file services in the future.
28. Access TDS. Upon receipt of the email or acceptance letter, go to the e-Services page on irs.gov, select Transcript Delivery System (TDS), then Access TDS. Log in and choose the organization name you used to apply. Once you're in the system, complete the required fields to request a transcript. TDS access is also available through the Holistiplan IRS Transcript features. Remember: you must have a valid Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) or Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization) on file for the specific taxpayer, form, and tax period referenced in your request.

Detailed IRS instructions can be found here: Circular 230 practitioner e-Services access

 

Route B: The ERO Route (for advisors without tax professional credentials)

What this entails: Financial advisors who do not hold tax credentials can gain TDS access by becoming an IRS Authorized Electronic Return Originator (ERO). This designation is primarily designed for return filers, so it requires selecting the ERO provider option and e-filing five accepted returns as a paid preparer. You take on ERO compliance responsibilities even if your sole intent is transcript access; you'll be subject to IRS suitability checks, including a background review, and the process may take several weeks. Once you are granted TDS access, you typically maintain it in perpetuity.

1. Log in to your IRS e-Services account from the irs.gov/tax-professionals or irs.gov/e-services pages
2. From the main page, select Access e-File Services
3. Click Access e-File Application – this may trigger you to log in again
4. On the "Select Your Organization" page, select Individual
5. You should now be on the "External Services Authorization Management" page. From here, follow the instructions on Circular 230, which includes:
6. Business or individual contact information
7. Your PTIN
8. Professional credentials and licensing information
9. Background questions (criminal history, prior IRS sanctions, etc.)
10. Fingerprinting may be required if you have not previously passed an IRS
11. Select Electronic Return Originator (ERO) as your provider type
12. When filing 5 returns, you must use e-file software as a paid preparer and enter your PTIN when filing.
    • If you are wondering the best way to find 5 returns to file, some options might include but are not limited to:
      • Filing returns for yourself and several colleagues in your firm.
      • Filing returns for their children or friends' children who had summer jobs. (These are typically simple and easy returns with no tax due.)
13. The IRS review process can take 4–6 weeks
14. Upon approval, your IRS Transcript Delivery System access is available through the Holistiplan IRS Transcript features.

Once approved, you must:

• Renew your PTIN annually at irs.gov/ptin
• Keep your e-file application current — notify the IRS within 30 days of any changes to your business information
• Safeguard your EFIN — it is non-transferable and tied to your identity and business location
• Retain Form 8821 copies in each client file
• Understand that the IRS can suspend or revoke ERO status for non-compliance

Not an option? A lower-barrier alternative

If you are not eligible for the Circular 230 route and prefer not to take on the obligations of becoming an ERO, you can retrieve transcripts manually using Form 8821, the Practitioner Priority Service (PPS), and a Secure Object Repository (SOR) mailbox — no EFIN or e-file application required. This route does not flow automatically into Holistiplan (transcripts are uploaded manually), but it has the lowest barrier to entry. If you take this alternative, you can skip the remaining steps in this guide and follow Guide 2 instead.

Step 4: Set Up Your Tax Pro Account (optional)

The Tax Pro Account is a separate IRS portal that streamlines client authorization management and is the fastest way to get Forms 2848 and 8821 processed.

1. Go to irs.gov/taxpros and select Tax Pro Account
2. Sign in using your e-Services credentials
3. Confirm your CAF (Centralized Authorization File) number. The IRS assigns this automatically once you have submitted authorization forms; if this is your first time, it will be generated when your first Form 2848 or 8821 is processed
4. Verify your professional information is accurate and complete
   
   

Step 5: Obtain Client Authorization

Before pulling any client's transcript, the client must authorize you on file with the IRS.

1. Have the client complete and sign the appropriate form:
2. Form 2848 – Power of Attorney: Full representation rights plus transcript access
3. Form 8821 – Tax Information Authorization: Transcript access only, no representation
4. Submit the signed form through your Tax Pro Account (fastest, typically processed within 24–48 hours) or fax to the IRS CAF unit (allow up to 5 business days) – requires the client to have an IRS ID.me login
5. Confirm the authorization appears in your Tax Pro Account before proceeding

Note: If you gained access through the ERO route without holding tax credentials, use Form 8821 only — Form 2848 is reserved for credentialed representatives.

 

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Guide 2: Manual Transcripts via Form 8821, Practitioner Priority Service, and the SOR Mailbox

(For advisors who hold a PTIN but do not want to become an ERO or file returns)

Advisors who do not prepare returns can obtain transcripts manually without completing an e-file application. In this route, transcripts are requested by phone through the IRS Practitioner Priority Service (PPS) and delivered to a Secure Object Repository (SOR) mailbox, then downloaded and uploaded into Holistiplan manually. This method does not use direct TDS access, so it does not flow automatically into Holistiplan's IRS Transcript feature.

Step 1: Obtain a PTIN

A PTIN is required. If you do not already have one, go to irs.gov/ptin, select Create an Account, and complete the application. Renew it annually.

Step 2: Obtain Client Authorization via Form 8821

Have your client complete and sign Form 8821 – Tax Information Authorization, designating you as the authorized recipient and specifying the tax matters, forms, and years being authorized. Submit the form (through the Tax Pro Account, or by fax/mail to the IRS CAF unit) and confirm it has been processed before requesting transcripts.

Step 3: Request Transcripts through Practitioner Priority Service (PPS)

Once the Form 8821 is processed, call the Practitioner Priority Service (PPS) and request the transcripts you need. PPS will verify that the Form 8821 is on file and deliver the requested transcripts to your Secure Object Repository (SOR) mailbox, using your Short ID from your IRS online account.

• As of April 8, 2024, tax professionals must call PPS to have transcripts deposited into the SOR; other IRS toll-free lines no longer offer SOR delivery.
• Your Short ID is a unique 8–10 character alphanumeric code assigned in the IRS Secure Access Digital Identity (SADI) system and visible when you sign in to the e-Services SOR.
• A business name can be listed on Form 8821, but the SOR must be established under the individual caller, and PPS verifies that the caller's Short ID belongs to the individual authorized on the Form 8821.
  
  

Step 4: Access Your SOR Mailbox and Download the Transcript

An active registered e-Services account is required to access the Secure Object Repository (SOR). If you do not have one, set one up through e-Services online tools for tax professionals. Full IRS steps are documented in the Instructions to access the Secure Object Repository (SOR) mailbox.

To retrieve a transcript once it has been delivered:

1. Sign in to e-Services. After entering your login information, you will be prompted to select the organization you will represent for the session.
2. After selecting your organization, your mailbox appears.
3. In the messages, you will find files you can view and download. Clicking a file name prompts you to save or download the file.
4. After the download is complete, delete the message or return to your inbox. Messages remain in your mailbox for 60 days before being purged.
5. To close your mailbox, close the Secure Email webpage to return to the Welcome Page, then sign out of your e-Services account.
   
   

Step 5: Upload the Transcript into Holistiplan

Upload the downloaded transcript into Holistiplan using the standard document upload. Learn more about uploading tax transcripts here: Tax Transcript Upload

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Guide 3: For Firms That Already Have an ERO — Confirming TDS Access

(For accounting firms and advisors who are already Authorized IRS e-file Providers)

Firms that already operate as an Authorized IRS e-file Provider usually already have TDS access, because it follows from the firm's existing e-file application. EROs that have e-filed five or more accepted returns are systematically granted access to the Transcript Delivery System through e-Services. Rather than reapplying, these firms mainly need to confirm that access is working and that each person pulling transcripts is set up on the application.

 

Step 1: Confirm the Individual Is on the e-File Application

Confirm that the person pulling transcripts is listed on the firm's e-file application (for example, as a Principal, Responsible Official, or Delegated User). Delegated Users can be added only when the firm is an e-file participant filing five or more returns.

Step 2: Confirm Client Authorization Is on File

A valid Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) or Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization) must be on file for the specific taxpayer, form, and tax period being requested. Without a processed authorization for that client, TDS will not return the transcript even when firm access is otherwise working.

Step 3: Run a Test Transcript Request

You can confirm your TDS access is working by running a single test request before relying on the integration in Holistiplan. This check is not needed for every client — it is a one-time verification that the firm's setup is in order.

1. Sign in on the IRS Tax Pros transcript site (this is a separate site from e-Services). [TBD: the exact link/path the firm should use.]
2. Optionally review existing Form 8821 authorizations on the site to verify a client's authorization has been processed.
3. Begin a Transcript Delivery System request. If the site does not allow you to proceed, TDS access has not yet been granted — setup can take time, or the IRS may have an issue with the firm's paperwork.
4. Enter your CAF number without the dash in the middle.
5. Enter the SSN and name of a client for whom a filed Form 8821 exists, click Add Request, then Continue.
6. If everything is set up correctly, the results screen shows an entry with a link in the Get Product column. Click it to open the transcript in a pop-up window.

A successful result means the same documents can be pulled for that client — and any other authorized client — through the Holistiplan IRS Transcript feature.

 

Once TDS access is confirmed, connect it to Holistiplan and retrieve transcripts!