IRS Form 8879-PE

What Is Form 8879 PE?

The Form 8879-PE is a significant document involved in the U.S. tax filing process. This document, released by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), is used by public accounting firms and employed accountants to electronically file an authorized tax return. The IRS form 8879-PE confirms the individual submitting the form as the point of receipt for the tax return and associated IRS communications.

Decoding the form 8879-PE

In form 8879 PE, the filer will find various information fields the IRS requires. These include sections for disclosing:

• Business name and Employer Identification Number (EIN).
• Identifying number, Personal Identification Number (PIN), and name of the paid preparer.
• Individual or entity's name, title, and PIN.
• Declaration and signature of the paid preparer and the taxpayer.

Understanding the process to fill out these fields correctly is essential to ensure accurate data submission and prevent tax-related hassles.

How to Fill Out Tax Form 8879 PE

For first-time users questioning how to fill out the form, the process might seem intimidating. However, it is possible to easily navigate the 8879-PE form once you have understood its purpose and structure. The form needs to be filled out with utmost precision as it provides the IRS direct electronic access to your tax return. 

1. Navigate to the “Tax year beginning and ending” section at the top of form template. Here, you need to type in the relevant dates in the format MM/DD/YYYY in the respective boxes provided.
2. Scroll down to the first part of the form. This part of the form contains five sections, complete the required lines using the information from Form 1065.
3. Proceed to part II of this document. First, the partner, member, or partnership representative (PR) will need to check one box indicating if they're the partner, member, or PR. 
4. The next step is to type the name of the ERO (Electronic Return Originator) firm. This should be typed in the "ERO firm name" box. 
5. The partner, member, or PR will also need to sign the document digitally. This can be done in the "Partner or Member or PR signature" box. Accompanying this signature, the position of the person signing the form should be typed in the "Title" box. 
6. After signing, the partner, member, or PR needs to type the current date in the "Date" box just beside the title box.
7. Move to part III. Here, you need to enter your ERO’s Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN)/Personal Identification Number (PIN) in the given field.
8. Here in part III, the ERO also needs to sign the form. This should be done in the ERO's Signature box. Lastly, the date should be entered in the Date box, given when the form was actually signed by the ERO.

When is it a good idea to request 8879 PE form?

Requesting and filling out the 8879-PE form is a good idea whenever you intend to submit your tax return electronically. This frequently occurs in situations where the taxpayer prefers electronic submissions for convenience, speed, reduced likelihood of errors, and quicker receipt of any potential refunds. 

Moreover, if you're working with a tax professional or an Electronic Return Originator (ERO) to handle the process, they will often prefer to use electronic submission methods. In this case, they would need your authorization to e-file on your behalf, for which this form is used.

Another instance that would necessitate the use of the 8879-PE form is when you cannot physically sign your tax return documents. This might happen if you're out of the country or incapacitated in some way but still want your return filed promptly to avoid late submission penalties. 

Remember, the main function of the 8879-PE form is to provide the IRS with the necessary authorization to accept your electronically submitted tax return without a traditional written signature, so if any of the circumstances above apply, it's a good idea to use this form.