Multi-factor authentication requirement for UltraTax CS electronic filing

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UltraTax CS requires you to verify your account via multi-factor authentication (MFA) when you transmit e-files. When starting an e-file transmission from CS Connect, UltraTax CS prompts you to verify your account via a single question sent to your paired deviceAll other UltraTax CS features are unaffected by this requirement.

Set up multi-factor authentication now

Enabling MFA only takes a few minutes, and completing the setup now will ensure you aren't interrupted when the time comes to e-file. Once enabled, multi-factor authentication is part of your login, so you must verify your sign-in attempts any time you log in with these credentials. 

How the electronic filing process works

UltraTax CS MFA process

  1. Before transmitting e-files, enable MFA for the account you use to sign in to UltraTax CS. Depending on the authentication method you choose, this can also include downloading the Thomson Reuters Authenticator app.
  2. Open UltraTax CS and enter your login and password if prompted. 
  3. UltraTax CS prompts you to verify your sign-in attempt with MFA. Depending on the authentication method you choose verification is either via the Authenticator app, or with an authentication code. Tap a button in the mobile app or enter an authentication code to confirm that you're the user logging in to UltraTax CS.
  4. Create the e-file as you normally would. Enter data, review diagnostics, and create the e-file as usual. 
  5. Open the CS Connect dialog, click the Electronic filing: Transmit returns switch to set it to "Yes," select the e-files to transmit, and then click Connect. UltraTax CS prompts you to verify with MFA a second time to continue. (If you don't have MFA enabled for your account, UltraTax CS will prompt you to enable it when you click the Electronic Filing: Transmit Returns switch.)
  6. After verifying your account, you'll complete the e-file transmission as usual. 

You may retrieve acknowledgements, transmit eSignatures, retrieve Per-Return-Pricing authorizations, and send client organizers without MFA enabled.

Additional information: 

  • Only staff who transmit e-files need MFA enabled. These staff members with MFA enabled will choose the best multi-factor authentication option, but nobody else in your firm needs to do so. The solution you choose depends on your personal preferences and your firm's current investment in security.
  • This only impacts your firm when you e-file returns or extensions.
  • You can batch transmit e-files to reduce MFA prompts. UltraTax CS will prompt staff to verify their identity every time they place a CS Connect 'call' to transmit e-files. However, this prompt occurs with every transmission, not every e-file, so you can batch transmit dozens of e-files at a time and will only receive the MFA prompt once. 

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