Form 8879

What Is Form 8879?

IRS form 8879 is a declaration form that taxpayers use to authorize an electronic return originator (ERO) to electronically file their federal tax return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It acts as a signature on the tax return, indicating that the taxpayer agrees with all the information provided on the return and that the tax preparer has permission to submit the tax return electronically.

How To Fill Out Form 8879 Online

Filling out form 8879 IRS online is a straightforward process. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Access the PDFliner website.
2. Find and get a copy of the IRS form 8879.
3. Enter the tax year you are filing and select the tax return form you are authorizing.
4. Enter the taxpayer's personal information, including their name, Social Security number or taxpayer identification number, and address.
5. Enter the electronic return originator's (ERO) information, including their name, Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN), and address.
6. Review the form to ensure that all the information provided is accurate and complete.
7. Sign the authorization form electronically using a Personal Identification Number (PIN). The PIN serves as the taxpayer's signature.
8. Verify the PIN by re-entering it in the provided field.
9. Submit the form electronically by selecting the "done" button.

What Should Form 8879 Include

Form 8879 is an IRS e-file signature authorization form used by taxpayers to authorize an electronic return originator (ERO) to submit their tax returns electronically. The form includes the following items:

• Taxpayer Information: This section requires the taxpayer's name, social security number or employer identification number, and address.
• Electronic Filing Information: This section requires the tax year, the type of return being filed, the electronic filing option selected, and the ERO's information.
• Signature and Date Lines: This section requires the taxpayer's signature, the date signed, and the PIN number.
• Paid Preparer Information: This section is optional and includes the name, address, and PTIN of the paid preparer.

When to Request Form 8879

Here are situations where taxpayers may need to request Form 8879:

• When using a tax preparer: Taxpayers who use a tax preparer to file their tax returns electronically will need to sign Form 8879 before the ERO can submit their return to the IRS.
• When filing jointly: If two people are filing jointly, both taxpayers must sign Form 8879 before the ERO can submit the tax return electronically.
• When making changes to a return: If the taxpayer needs to make changes to their electronically filed tax return, they may need to sign and submit a new Form 8879 to authorize the ERO to transmit the corrected return.

Who Must Sign Form 8879?

Form 8879 must be signed by the taxpayer(s) and the paid preparer (if one is used). If the taxpayer is filing a joint return, both taxpayers must sign the form. In addition, the electronic return originator (ERO) must also sign and retain the form for their records.