Getting Started
I'm new — where do I start?
We built a step-by-step path for exactly this. Start with Start Here — it walks you through logging into your portal, finding your trainings, and completing your setup, in order.
Start Here →Where do I find my courses?
Log into your LWS client portal — your courses and trainings appear in your membership area.
If a course you expect is missing, your account tier may not include it yet — submit a help ticket and we'll check your access.
How do I get my preparer login / tax software access?
Your software access is issued when your onboarding is complete and arrives by email — check your inbox and your spam folder.
To make sure nothing lands in spam, whitelist our email. Can't find it or it doesn't work? Submit a help ticket — never guess at credentials.
EFIN & Getting Set Up as an ERO
How do I apply for an EFIN? How long does it take?
An EFIN (Electronic Filing Identification Number) is issued by the IRS to EROs through the IRS e-Services portal, and approval can take up to 45 days — apply early, well before the season.
The academy's ERO track walks the application step-by-step. For where your application stands, only the IRS can say — but if you're stuck on the process, submit a help ticket.
What do I need to know about due diligence?
Preparers must meet the IRS due-diligence requirements for certain credits (Form 8867 territory) and keep proper records. The academy's training covers due diligence in depth — you'll find it in your courses in the portal.
Note: our support team can point you to the training, but can't advise on a specific client's return.
I'm a new ERO — what does onboarding look like?
New EROs complete the intake form, receive their software access by email, and then follow the ERO track in the portal in order.
Stuck on a step? Check Start Here first, then submit a help ticket.
Referrals & Rebates
How does the referral program work?
When someone you referred signs up and names you under "who referred you," their activity earns you a referral rebate.
Rebates are held through the tax season and paid out at the end of July. Think a referral wasn't counted? Submit a help ticket.
When are referral rebates paid out?
Referral rebates are held all season and paid out at the end of July. This keeps every rebate tied to completed, verified activity for the season.
Questions about your specific balance or payout? Submit a help ticket — the team will confirm from the record.
I referred someone — how do I make sure I get credit?
Make sure the person you referred names you when they sign up — that's the "who referred you" step on their intake. That's what ties their activity to your rebate.
If they've already signed up and you think the referral didn't connect, submit a help ticket with their name and we'll check.
Your Account
How do I log into my portal?
Log into the LWS client portal here: Log into your portal →
Use the same email you signed up with — that's the account your courses, software access, and rebates are tied to.
Trouble logging in? Recover your access here.
I signed up with the wrong email / a different email.
Your account is tied to the email you registered with — a different email won't connect to your courses or rebates.
If you used a different one, request your access here (we verify and resend to the email on file) or submit a help ticket and we'll get you sorted.
I'm not getting your emails.
Check your spam folder first, and confirm you're checking the same email address you signed up with.
Then whitelist our email so portal, software, and rebate emails always reach your inbox. Still missing? Submit a help ticket.
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