Build your office with structure, compliance, and a clear path to activation.

Welcome to BCS Tax Software — ERO Onboarding

Congratulations on joining the BCS ERO Network! This portal is your single source of truth for everything you need to get your office set up, compliant, and ready to file.

What is this portal? This is your guided onboarding experience. It walks you through every step — from signing your agreements and verifying your credentials, all the way through compliance approval, system setup, training, and your official Go-Live activation.

What does completion look like?

• All agreements signed and payment received
• Full compliance clearance from the Compliance Officer
• Tax software, CRM, client portal, and e-sign platform fully configured
• Bank products approved and linked
• All 6 training modules completed with passing scores
• Dry run tests passed on all systems
• Go-Live Authorization granted by the Operations Manager

Once all steps are verified, you'll receive your Activation Package — including your "You're Live!" email, Welcome Letter, Marketing Starter Kit, Support Directory, and your First 30 Days Success Guide.

Your Onboarding Roadmap

Every ERO follows the same structured path. This isn't optional — completing steps in order prevents compliance gaps, support tickets, and delays. Here's exactly how it works:

Bottom line: Follow the steps in order. Don't skip ahead. Every phase unlocks the next. This process exists to protect your EFIN, your clients, and your business.

What is a WISP?

A Written Information Security Plan (WISP) is an IRS-required document that describes how your tax practice protects sensitive client and business information. It is mandated under IRS Publication 4557 for all tax practitioners.

Required WISP Sections

• Employee Management and Training: How staff are trained on data security and confidentiality
• Information Systems: Hardware, software, network security, and access controls
• Detecting and Managing System Failures: Backup procedures and disaster recovery plans
• Data Safeguards for Paper Records: Storage, access control, and disposal procedures
• Data Safeguards for Electronic Records: Encryption, access controls, and audit logging
• Incident Response Plan: Steps to take if a breach or data loss occurs

Important: Your WISP must be customized to your specific office, not generic. The Compliance Officer will review it during onboarding to ensure it adequately protects client data.

IRS Form 8867 Due Diligence Requirements

The IRS Form 8867 Paid Preparer's Due Diligence Checklist is required for any return claiming Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), Other Dependent Credit (ODC), American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC), or Head of Household (HOH) filing status.

Four Core Due Diligence Requirements

• Knowledge: You must understand the tax law relating to the credit claimed
• Reasonable Inquiries: Ask the client questions to verify eligibility for credits claimed
• Documentation: Obtain and review supporting documents from the client
• Record Retention: Keep all completed due diligence worksheets and supporting documents for 3 years

Note: BCS will review your due diligence practices during onboarding to ensure compliance with IRS Publication 4012 and your state requirements.

IRC Section 7216 Disclosure Requirements

Internal Revenue Code Section 7216 requires written consent from taxpayers before their information can be disclosed or used for purposes other than preparing their tax return. This is critical for bank product applications and data sharing.

What the Consent Form Must Cover

• Consent to Disclose: Permission to share information with specified third parties
• Consent to Use: Permission to use information beyond tax return preparation
• Specific Purpose: Clear statement of what the information will be used for (e.g., bank product application)
• Expiration Date: How long the consent remains valid
• Right to Revoke: The client's ability to revoke consent in writing

Important: Forms must be signed and dated by the taxpayer BEFORE any bank product applications or data sharing occurs. Keep signed originals in the client file.

Treasury Department Circular 230

Circular 230 is the Treasury Department's regulations governing the practice of individuals before the IRS. All paid tax preparers and enrolled agents must comply with these standards.

Key Obligations Under Circular 230

• Competence: Only represent matters within your professional competence
• Diligence: Exercise due diligence in preparing returns and advising clients
• No Unreasonable Positions: Do not take unreasonable positions on tax matters
• No Willful Misconduct: Cannot engage in fraud or intentional misconduct
• Proper Return of Client Records: Must return all client records upon request
• No Contingent Fees: Cannot charge contingent fees (with limited exceptions)
• Advertising Restrictions: Advertisements must be truthful and not misleading

Penalties for Violations: Violations can result in suspension or disbarment from IRS practice, penalties up to $10,000, and civil liability.

IRS Form W-9 Overview

Form W-9 is used to provide your correct Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) to BCS Tax Software Company for 1099 reporting purposes. If you operate as an independent contractor, a current W-9 must be on file with BCS.

Information Required on W-9

• Legal Name: Your full legal name as it appears on tax documents
• Business Name: Any doing-business-as (DBA) name if applicable
• Federal Tax Classification: Indicate if you are a sole proprietor, partnership, S-corp, C-corp, etc.
• Address: Your current mailing address
• TIN: Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Signature and Date: Must be signed and dated

Important: All EROs operating as independent contractors must submit a completed W-9 before receiving 1099 income reporting from BCS.

Identity Verification Requirements

The Compliance Officer must verify your identity and business legitimacy before proceeding. You will need to upload two categories of documents:

Accepted Photo ID Documents

• State driver's license or state ID card (preferred)
• U.S. passport or passport card
• Military ID or government-issued photo ID

Accepted Business Verification Documents

• Current business license or business registration certificate
• IRS Letter of Determination (EIN approval letter)
• EFIN Approval Letter from the IRS
• Current business insurance certificate

Process: Upload high-quality copies (JPG or PDF) of both documents to the portal. The Compliance Officer will review and verify within 1 business day.

Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance

E&O (Professional Liability) insurance is strongly recommended and may be required by bank product partners. This insurance covers claims arising from professional mistakes, negligence, failure to perform services, or inadvertent violations of client confidentiality.

Recommended Coverage

• Minimum Coverage: $500,000 per claim / $1,000,000 aggregate
• Industry Standard: $1,000,000 per claim / $2,000,000 aggregate
• Deductible: Typically $1,000–$5,000 per claim

Recommended E&O Insurance Providers

• Hiscox: hiscox.com — Specialized in tax professional coverage
• Next Insurance: nextinsurance.com — Affordable E&O policies
• NATP Group Plan: National Association of Tax Professionals — Group rates for members

Submission: Upload a current certificate of insurance showing at least $500K coverage. Update annually to stay compliant.

When Will I Get My Tax Software Access?

Your tax software login and ERO profile will be created and delivered to you 2–3 weeks before tax season begins (approximately September 2026). This timing ensures your account has the latest software updates, current-year forms, and all compliance configurations applied.

What happens between now and then?

Complete the rest of your onboarding steps — compliance, training, and bank product enrollment. When September rolls around, your Tech Specialist will build your profile and have everything ready so you can hit the ground running on Day 1 of filing season.

Supercharge Your Practice with GoHighLevel CRM

GoHighLevel is an all-in-one CRM platform that automates your client communication, appointment booking, follow-ups, and marketing — so you can focus on preparing returns, not chasing leads.

What you get with the BCS ERO Snapshot:

• Pre-built automations — appointment reminders, document request sequences, and follow-up campaigns ready to go
• Client pipeline — visual pipeline tracking every client from lead to filed return
• Branded booking page — let clients schedule appointments directly from your website or social media
• Two-way texting & email — communicate with clients from one unified inbox
• Reputation management — automated review requests to build your Google presence
• Marketing funnels — landing pages and ad campaigns designed for tax season

Secure Client Document Portal

A branded, secure portal where your clients can upload W-2s, 1099s, IDs, and other sensitive documents — encrypted and organized by client folder. No more chasing documents via text or email.

E-Sign Platform

Send engagement letters, consent forms, and agreements for electronic signature — clients can sign from their phone or computer in seconds. Templates are pre-loaded and ready to use.