Fill Out Your IRS 8879 Template

What is the IRS 8879 form?

The IRS 8879 form serves as an electronic signature authorization for tax filers who choose to e-file their tax returns. It allows tax preparers to file a return electronically on behalf of a taxpayer, who has verified the information on their tax return and has authorized the electronically filed return via a personal identification number (PIN).

How do I use the IRS 8879 form?

To use the IRS 8879 form, follow these steps:

1. Review your tax return carefully with your tax preparer.
2. Ensure all information is accurate and complete.
3. Provide your tax preparer with a self-selected PIN, which acts as your electronic signature.
4. Your tax preparer will then complete the IRS 8879 form with your tax return information and your PIN.
5. Finally, you will confirm the information on the form, verify your PIN, and authorize your tax preparer to e-file your tax return.

Who needs to sign the IRS 8879 form?

The following individuals need to sign the IRS 8879 form:

• The taxpayer, whose tax return is being filed.
• If filing jointly, then both the taxpayer and their spouse must sign the form.
• The paid tax preparer, if applicable, who e-files the return on behalf of the taxpayer.

What happens if I don't sign the IRS 8879 form?

If you don't sign the IRS 8879 form, your tax return cannot be e-filed. This is because the form provides the necessary authorization for electronic filing and without it, your tax preparer does not have the legal permission to e-file your return. As a result, you would need to file a paper return or complete the authorization process to allow for e-filing.

Filing taxes can be a complex process, and the IRS 8879 form is a critical component for those opting to file electronically. This form authorizes an e-file provider to submit your tax return to the IRS on your behalf. Unfortunately, it's also a document prone to mistakes, which can lead to delays or errors in processing tax returns. Being aware of common missteps can save a great deal of time and stress.

One common mistake is not verifying personal information thoroughly. You must ensure that your name, Social Security Number (SSN), and address are accurate on the IRS 8879 form. Any discrepancy between this information and the details the IRS has on file can result in the rejection of your e-file submission. Taking a few extra moments to double-check these details can prevent unnecessary complications.

Another misstep occurs when taxpayers do not use the correct form version. The IRS periodically updates its forms, including the 8879, to reflect current tax laws and regulations. Using an outdated version can lead to processing delays or even the rejection of the tax return. Always obtain the most current version of the form from the IRS website or your tax preparer.

Incorrectly calculating the tax owed or refund due is also a critical error. The IRS 8879 form requires taxpayers to confirm these amounts as shown in their electronic tax return. Miscalculations here can lead to inconsistencies that might not only delay your return's processing but could also flag your return for further review or audit.

Failure to sign and date the form is a surprisingly common oversight that renders the submission invalid. Both the taxpayer and the ERO (Electronic Return Originator) must sign and date the form to authorize electronic submission. An unsigned or undated form will not be processed, stalling your tax return.

Not selecting the correct tax year on the form is another error that can create significant delays. The IRS processes returns for multiple years at any given time. An incorrect year can route your tax return incorrectly within the IRS, leading to confusing and time-consuming corrections.

Submitting the form to the wrong place is a mistake that can happen, especially for those who might be filing with a new preparer or who have moved. The IRS 8879 form should be retained by the filer or the ERO and not sent directly to the IRS unless specifically requested. Misdirecting this form can lead to private information being compromised and delays in your tax processing.

Last but not least, overlooking the necessity to keep a copy of the completed IRS 8879 form for their records trips up many filers. This document is essential for confirming the authorization of electronic filing and can be crucial if any disputes or questions arise later about the tax return. Keeping a copy ensures you have the necessary documentation to protect your interests.

Understanding and avoiding these common mistakes with the IRS 8879 form can lead to a smoother filing process. Taxpayers who take the time to ensure the accuracy and completeness of this form help safeguard their return against delays and ensure a timely processing of their tax obligations.

When filing taxes in the United States, individuals often use various forms to report income, claim deductions, and authorize electronic filings. The IRS Form 8879 is one such document that taxpayers use to authorize an electronic filing of their returns by a tax preparer. This form is essential because it ensures that the taxpayer agrees with the information filed on their behalf. However, the IRS Form 8879 is rarely the only form needed during tax season. Several other forms and documents often accompany this form, each serving a unique purpose in the tax preparation process.

• Form 1040: This is the U.S. Individual Income Tax Return form. It's the primary form used by individuals to file their annual income tax returns. The form collects information about the taxpayer's income, tax deductions, and credits to calculate the amount of tax owed or the refund due to the taxpayer.
• Schedule A (Form 1040): This form is used for itemizing deductions instead of taking the standard deduction. Taxpayers fill out this schedule if they plan to deduct things like medical expenses, taxes paid, interest paid, gifts to charity, casualty and theft losses, and other miscellaneous deductions.
• Schedule C (Form 1040): For individuals who operate a business as a sole proprietor, this form is crucial. It's used to report income or loss from a business operated or a profession practiced as a sole proprietor. Schedule C calculates the business's gross profit and deductible expenses.
• Form W-2: This wage and tax statement is provided by employers to employees and the IRS at the end of the tax year. It reports the employee's annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld from their paycheck. Taxpayers need this form to complete other tax forms, like the 1040, and to validate income and tax withholdings as part of their tax return.

In conclusion, while the IRS Form 8879 is a vital component of the electronic filing process, it operates within a broader ecosystem of tax documentation. Forms like the 1040, Schedule A, Schedule C, and W-2 are integral to accurately reporting income, calculating tax liability, and ensuring that taxpayers receive any refunds due. Understanding how these forms interact can demystify the tax filing process and help individuals navigate tax season more effectively.

The IRS 8879 form, serving as an electronic signature authorization for tax returns, shares similarities with several other documents related to tax and financial processes. One such document is the IRS Form 1040, the U.S. individual income tax return form. Much like the IRS 8879, the Form 1040 is a cornerstone in tax filing, gathering comprehensive details about one's income, deductions, and credits to calculate owed taxes or refunds.

Another document closely linked to the IRS 8879 is the IRS Form 4868, the Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. This form and the IRS 8879 both address taxpayer needs around the filing process, with the former allowing individuals additional time to file their income tax returns, thereby extending the deadline when necessary.

Similar in function to IRS 8879 is Form W-2, the Wage and Tax Statement. Employers issue Form W-2 to employees and the IRS, reporting annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld from paychecks. While serving a different purpose, it's crucial in the tax filing process, providing essential information that affects one's tax return and potentially the signature authorizations on forms like IRS 8879.

The IRS Form 1099 mirrors the IRS 8879 in its role in reporting income types beyond regular wages, such as freelance or independent contractor earnings. Though Form 1099 serves to report income received, it influences the accuracy and verification process of tax returns that the IRS 8879 seeks to authorize through electronic signatures.

The Schedule C (Form 1040), Profit or Loss from Business, also shares a conceptual kinship with the IRS 8879. Business owners use Schedule C to report profits or losses from their business activities, integral data for accurate tax returns. The need for precise information on such forms underscores the authorization importance that the IRS 8879 form provides through the validation of these figures in the electronic filing process.

Similarly, the Form 2555, Foreign Earned Income, parallels the IRS 8879 by catering to a specific subset of tax reporting—U.S. citizens or resident aliens reporting earned income from abroad. Like the IRS 8879, this form plays a pivotal role in ensuring the proper treatment and reporting of specialized income types in the tax filing framework.

Last but not least, the IRS Form 8822, Change of Address, while administrative, is akin to the IRS 8879 in its functionality to update taxpayer information within the IRS's records. Ensuring current details are on file, such as through the IRS 8879's electronic signature verification, is crucial for the smooth processing of documents and maintaining up-to-date communication with the IRS.

These documents, each with its distinctive purpose and requirements, collectively embody the diverse aspects and steps within the U.S. tax filing process. The IRS 8879 form, by enabling electronic signatures, simplifies and secures this complex process, aligning closely with the utility and goals of the forms mentioned, from reporting various types of income to updating personal information with the IRS.

The IRS 8879 form is essential for electronically filing your tax returns with the use of a tax professional. Ensuring accuracy and compliance when filling out this form is crucial. Below are lists of what you should and shouldn't do to help guide you through the process effectively.

What You Should Do:

1. Review Every Detail: Before signing, carefully check your personal information, including your Social Security number, the tax year, and all financial figures. Mistakes can delay processing.
2. Understand the Form: Familiarize yourself with the purpose of the IRS 8879 form. It authorizes your tax preparer to e-file your return, ensuring you know what you're agreeing to.
3. Confirm the Tax Preparer’s Information: Ensure the tax professional's section is completed, including their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). This verifies they are authorized to file your return.
4. Keep a Copy: After signing, save a copy of the form for your records. It’s important to have proof of your authorization for electronic filing.

What You Shouldn't Do:

1. Don’t Leave Sections Incomplete: Avoid skipping any parts. Every field is important for the IRS to process your return accurately.
2. Don’t Sign Without Verifying: Do not sign the IRS 8879 form until you've confirmed all the information. Signing without verifying can result in errors or fraud.
3. Don’t Use an Unqualified Preparer: Ensure the tax preparer is eligible and authorized to e-file. Using an unqualified individual can lead to complications.
4. Don’t Ignore IRS Notices: If the IRS contacts you about your e-filed return, respond promptly. Ignoring notices can cause unnecessary delays or penalties.

The IRS Form 8879 is an electronic signature authorization form that taxpayers use when filing their taxes electronically through a tax preparer. Despite its straightforward purpose, there are several misconceptions surrounding this document. Understanding what Form 8879 is—and what it isn't—can help taxpayers navigate their tax filing process more effectively. Here are six common misconceptions about the IRS 8879 form:

1. Form 8879 allows the IRS to access your bank account. There is a misconception that by signing Form 8879, taxpayers are giving the IRS permission to access their bank accounts. This is not accurate. The purpose of Form 8879 is solely to authenticate the taxpayer's identity and to authorize the tax return's electronic submission. It does not grant the IRS access to taxpayers' bank accounts or financial institutions.
2. It’s only for taxpayers who owe money. Another common misconception is that Form 8879 is only required for taxpayers who owe money to the IRS. In reality, this form is used regardless of whether you're receiving a refund or you owe taxes. Its primary purpose is to confirm that the taxpayer agrees with the information being submitted electronically.
3. You must mail the completed Form 8879 to the IRS. Many people mistakenly believe that they need to mail in Form 8879 to the IRS. This is not the case. The form is actually kept on file by the tax preparer for a period of three years. It's an internal document between the taxpayer and the preparer that does not need to be sent to the IRS directly by the taxpayer.
4. Signing Form 8879 electronically is less secure than a paper signature. In today's digital age, electronic signatures are as legally binding and secure as traditional paper signatures. The IRS has implemented stringent security measures to ensure the safety and privacy of electronically submitted forms, including Form 8879.
5. Only individuals can use Form 8879. This misconception arises from a misunderstanding of who needs to file taxes electronically. Both individuals and businesses can use Form 8879 to authorize the electronic filing of their tax returns. Whether you are filing personal taxes or taxes for a business, if your returns are being submitted electronically, Form 8879 is applicable.
6. Form 8879 is the same as the tax return. Some people confuse Form 8879 with the actual tax return. However, this form is simply an authorization to electronically file the tax return. The tax return itself is a separate document that includes detailed information about income, deductions, credits, and taxes owed or refunded. Form 8879 does not contain specific tax payment or refund information.

Clearing up these misconceptions is crucial for taxpayers to ensure a smooth and correct tax filing process. Remember, it's always advisable to consult with a tax professional if you have specific concerns or questions about your tax situation.

• The IRS Form 8879 is the declaration document for electronic filing of an individual’s tax returns. It serves as an authorization form that taxpayers use to approve the electronic filing of their tax returns by an authorized e-file provider.

• Before signing Form 8879, taxpayers should review their tax return information thoroughly for accuracy. This step is critical because once Form 8879 is signed, the taxpayer is confirming that the information on their tax return is accurate to the best of their knowledge.

• Completion of Form 8879 requires the taxpayer’s social security number (SSN) and the tax year. For joint returns, the social security number of both spouses must be included on the form.

• Form 8879 does not need to be sent to the IRS by the taxpayer. Instead, the authorized e-file provider keeps the form for their records. However, taxpayers should retain a copy of the form with their tax records.

• Electronic signatures are permitted on Form 8879. Taxpayers can sign digitally, using an authorized IRS e-file provider's process, which facilitates a quicker submission process of their tax return.

• If there are any changes to your tax return after signing Form 8879, it is important to notify your tax preparer immediately. You may need to sign a new Form 8879 if amendments are made to your return that affect your tax liability.