IRS Form 8879: How to e-file your tax return through a tax professional

What is IRS Form 8879?

Think of IRS Form 8879 like your digital signature for your tax return. It's one of several IRS e-file signature authorization forms. When you hire a tax professional to do your taxes, and they finish up your return, this form allows them to send it off to the IRS on your behalf. Form 8879 tells your tax professional—known as an ERO, or Electronic Return Originator—to use a PIN to sign off on your e-filed return.

But before they hit that ‘send’ button, the IRS needs to know that you've double-checked everything, that the numbers are all good, and that you actually agree to submit this return as your official tax paperwork.

Filing Form 8879

Your tax professional will typically prepare the form for you as part of their tax preparation services. Once your tax return is ready for review, your tax preparer will present you with Form 8879 to capture your authorization to e-file.

Completing Form 8879:

1. Review the information provided by your tax professional to ensure it matches your tax return documents.
2. Confirm that your name, Social Security Number (SSN), and all other personal information are correctly filled out.
3. Verify the tax year and the specific tax form (e.g., 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR) you are filing.
4. Check the provided figures, such as your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) or the refund amount, against your completed return to ensure accuracy.

Filing Form 8879:

1. Once you have reviewed the form and you are confident that everything is in order, you will need to provide your electronic signature. This can be done by selecting a five-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) that you create. Remember, do not use all zeros as your PIN.
2. Share the PIN with your tax professional, which will serve as your electronic authorization.
3. Your tax professional will enter their own ERO Practitioner PIN, complete the remaining sections of the form, and file your tax return electronically with the IRS.
4. You and your tax professional should keep copies of Form 8879 for your records for at least three years, as recommended by the IRS.

Remember, it’s your responsibility to make sure all the information on your tax return is accurate before giving your electronic signature. Once Form 8879 is signed with your PIN, your tax preparer can officially submit the return to the IRS on your behalf.

More on the role of an Electronic Return Originator (ERO):

As authorized IRS e-file providers, EROs facilitate the transmission of tax returns to the IRS from individuals or entities.

Responsibilities of an ERO:

1. Tax Return Preparation:
• EROs prepare or assist in preparing tax returns. For clients electing to e-file, EROs ensure that all information is accurately reflected on Form 8879, which should match the data on the tax return itself.
2. Collection of Signatures:
• It is the ERO's job to collect the taxpayer's electronic signature, usually in the form of a self-selected Personal Identification Number (PIN), and to ensure it is appropriately recorded on Form 8879.
3. Verification:
• Before submission, an ERO will verify the identity of the taxpayer to prevent fraud. This includes checking that the names, Social Security numbers, and other personal details match the taxpayer's IDs and records.
4. Secure Transmission:
• EROs are responsible for the secure and accurate electronic submission of the tax return to the IRS, along with the authorized Form 8879.
5. Record Keeping:
• EROs will retain copies of the signed Form 8879 for a specified period, typically three years, according to IRS requirements. This is to ensure that there is a record of the taxpayer's consent to e-file.
6. Providing Copies to the Taxpayer:
• After the e-filing process, the ERO provides the taxpayer with a copy of their completed tax return and any forms or acknowledgments associated with the electronic filing.
7. Communication with the Taxpayer:
• The ERO informs the taxpayer about the processing of their return, including the transmission to the IRS and the agency’s acknowledgment of receipt. They also alert the taxpayer to any issues or corrections that need attention.

In summary, the ERO serves as a trusted intermediary between the taxpayer and the IRS, ensuring that the electronic filing process is carried out efficiently, securely, and in compliance with all IRS regulations.

Key points to remember

Filing your tax return electronically with Form 8879 not only speeds up the submission process but also offers peace of mind. Key points to remember about Form 8879 include:

• Verification: This form guarantees that the information on your tax return is accurate and complete, giving your affirmation that everything has been reviewed and is correct to the best of your knowledge.
• Security: Robust measures are in place to safeguard your electronic signature and personal information against unauthorized access, ensuring your data's integrity throughout the filing process.
• Record Keeping: Both you and your tax preparer should keep copies of the signed Form 8879 for a minimum of three years, as you would with other tax documents.

In conclusion, Form 8879 streamlines the tax preparation process, allowing you to take advantage of a faster and secure method to file your taxes through your ERO.

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