Fill and sign Form 8879 online
Lets you authorize your tax preparer to e-file your return and use a PIN as your signature.
Form 8879 at a glance
- Official name
- IRS e-file Signature Authorization
- Issued by
- IRS
- Country
- United States
- Category
- Tax
- Language
- English
- Who uses it
- Individuals whose return is e-filed by a paid preparer or other electronic return originator (ERO).
- Signature
E-signature accepted
Taxpayers may sign Form 8879 by hand or with an electronic signature if the preparer's software supports it. The preparer keeps the signed form; it is not sent to the IRS.
Form 8879 is the signature authorization you give a tax preparer so they can e-file your individual return and enter a PIN as your signature. The preparer usually fills it in and sends it to you to check and sign. Open the official form from irs.gov in BunnyDoc's free Sign PDF tool straight from this page, type into its fillable fields, add your signature and date, and download it. Everything runs in your browser, so the PDF never leaves your device.
How to fill in and sign Form 8879
Use the form your preparer sends
Your preparer normally completes Form 8879 from your return. If they send you a PDF to sign, open it in Sign PDF. The blank form from irs.gov is shown here for reference.
Check the tax year and names
Confirm the tax year and that your names and SSNs at the top are correct.
Compare Part I with your return
Part I shows your adjusted gross income, total tax, tax withheld, refund or amount owed. Check that these match the return you reviewed.
Choose how your PIN is entered (Part II)
Tick whether you authorize the preparer's firm to enter or generate your five-digit PIN, or enter your own PIN. A spouse on a joint return does the same.
Sign and date
Sign and date Part II. Your spouse signs too for a joint return. By signing you confirm under penalties of perjury that the return is correct.
Return it to your preparer
Send the signed form back to the preparer. They keep it for 3 years and do not send it to the IRS unless asked.
What you need before you start
- A complete copy of the return your preparer will file.
- The Form 8879 your preparer sent you.
- Your own five-digit PIN, if you choose to enter it yourself.
Can I sign Form 8879 electronically?
Yes. The form's instructions say taxpayers may sign by handwritten signature or by electronic signature when the preparer's software supports it. Many preparers send Form 8879 through a remote signing service. See what an electronic signature is.
Common mistakes
- Signing without checking the Part I amounts against your return.
- Only one spouse signing a joint return authorization.
- Choosing a PIN of five zeros, which is not allowed.
- Sending the form to the IRS. It stays with the preparer.
Form 8879: frequently asked questions
Do I send Form 8879 to the IRS?
No. Your preparer keeps it and only gives it to the IRS if asked.
Can I sign Form 8879 electronically?
Yes, if your preparer's software supports electronic signatures. You can also sign by hand.
What PIN do I use on Form 8879?
Any five digits except all zeros. You can choose it yourself or authorize the preparer to enter or generate it.
Does my preparer need my signed 8879 before filing?
Yes. The preparer must receive the signed form before transmitting the return.
How long does the preparer keep Form 8879?
For 3 years from the return due date or the date the IRS received the return, whichever is later.
Is BunnyDoc connected to the IRS?
No. BunnyDoc is not affiliated with the IRS. We link to the official form on irs.gov and give you a free tool to fill and sign it in your browser.
BunnyDoc is not affiliated with IRS. Check that the recipient accepts electronic signatures.
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