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IRSOther IRS Forms (1000–1999)

Official form guide

Form 14157A: 14157-A

IRS Form 14157‑A authorizes an electronic signature for a tax return that will be filed through the IRS e‑file system. Use it when a paid preparer needs the taxpayer’s e‑signature before transmitting the return.

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Form Overview

IRS Form 14157A - 14157-A

IRS Form 14157‑A authorizes an electronic signature for a tax return that will be filed through the IRS e‑file system. Use it when a paid preparer needs the taxpayer’s e‑signature before transmitting the return.

It captures the taxpayer’s name, SSN or ITIN, the preparer’s PTIN, the tax year, and the method of electronic signature (PIN, password, or biometric).

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A single typo in the taxpayer’s SSN can cause the entire return to be rejected.
  • 2Incorrect SSN/ITIN prevents matching the signature to the return.
  • 3Using an expired PIN or password invalidates the e‑signature.
  • 4Failure to capture the taxpayer’s consent to electronic filing.
  • 5Omitting the preparer’s PTIN blocks the e‑file submission.

Plain English

This form lets a tax professional get your electronic signature so they can file your return online. It replaces a handwritten signature on a paper return. The taxpayer signs on a computer, tablet, or phone, and the preparer keeps a copy for the IRS.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: 2023-12-27 22:10:12
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

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Glossary Terms

methodpaper

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What this form is for

  • Use when a paid preparer needs an electronic signature for an e‑filed return.
  • Do not use for paper‑filed returns; a handwritten signature on Form 1040 is required.
  • If the taxpayer is filing without a paid preparer, use Form 8879 instead.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Taxpayer filing themselves

Authorizes e‑signature for self‑preparers

✓ Verify no preparer PTIN needed

Form 8879

Paper filing

Handwritten signature required

✓ No electronic method allowed

Form 1040 signature line

Deadline or filing window

The authorization must be completed before the preparer submits the return through the IRS e‑file system. There is no separate filing deadline; the timing aligns with the return’s filing deadline (typically April 15).

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Taxpayer name

Government‑issued ID · Return header

⚠ Misspelled name✕ High
2

SSN/ITIN

Social Security card or ITIN letter · Taxpayer info section

⚠ Transposed digits✕ High
3

PTIN

IRS PTIN confirmation · Preparer info section

⚠ Wrong PTIN✕ Medium
4

Signature method

Device log or PIN record · Signature block

⚠ Forgotten PIN✕ Medium
5

Date of signature

System timestamp · Signature block

⚠ Missing date✕ Low

Before you submit

  1. 1Verify taxpayer name matches the return.
  2. 2Confirm SSN/ITIN is correct and matches IRS records.
  3. 3Enter preparer PTIN exactly as issued.
  4. 4Select the correct tax year.
  5. 5Choose a supported electronic signature method.
  6. 6Obtain the taxpayer’s consent on the device.
  7. 7Save the form as a PDF in the client’s file.
  8. 8Attach the PDF to the e‑file submission if the software requires it.
  9. 9Check that the software logs a successful signature capture.
  10. 10Ensure no blank fields remain.

How to file this form

  1. 1Open Form 14157‑A in the IRS‑approved e‑file program.
  2. 2Enter taxpayer and preparer data.
  3. 3Select PIN, password, or biometric signature option.
  4. 4Have the taxpayer sign on the device and confirm.
  5. 5Save the signed form as a PDF.
  6. 6Upload or attach the PDF to the return package if required.
  7. 7Submit the return through e‑file.
  8. 8Retain the PDF for at least three years.

Known limitations

  1. 1The form does not validate SSN/ITIN against IRS databases.
  2. 2Electronic signature methods depend on software capabilities.
  3. 3No IRS fee schedule is attached; fees are handled by the preparer’s software.
  4. 4The form does not provide a mailing address because it is not mailed to the IRS.

Field map

Compact field-by-field guide

6 fields

General Info

2 items

Taxpayer Name and TIN

Full legal name and taxpayer identification number (SSN or EIN).

Requiredtext
Address

Current mailing address.

Requiredtext

Details

2 items

Required Information

Complete all applicable sections of this form according to the official IRS instructions.

Requiredtext
Amount (if applicable)

Enter the relevant dollar amount if this form involves tax calculation.

amount

Certification

1 items

Certification Statement

Read and acknowledge any certifications required by this form.

Requiredcheckbox

Signatures

1 items

Signature

Sign and date. Unsigned forms cannot be processed.

Requiredsignature
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Current form status
IRS

Form 14157‑A is currently active for tax years 2022‑2025. The IRS updates the PDF annually; verify the edition date before use.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – confirm the PDF matches the current tax year.
  • Fee – no filing fee for this authorization.
  • Mailing address – not applicable; retain in client file.
  • Electronic format – PDF or IRS‑approved e‑file software only.
  • Signature method – ensure chosen method is supported by the software.

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Quick Facts

Paid tax preparers and the taxpayers they represent file this form.
It captures the taxpayer’s name, SSN or ITIN, the preparer’s PTIN, the tax year, and the method of electronic signature (PIN, password, or biometric).
The form is completed before the preparer e‑files the return, typically during the final review meeting with the client.
The preparer retains the signed form in the client’s file; no separate mailing to the IRS is required unless the IRS requests it.
Missing or incorrect signature data can cause the return to be rejected, delaying refunds or triggering penalties.
1. Open Form 14157‑A in the IRS e‑file software. 2. Enter taxpayer and preparer information exactly as it appears on the return. 3. Choose the electronic signature method and have the taxpayer sign on the device. 4. Save the completed form as a PDF and attach it to the client’s record. 5. Proceed with e‑filing the return.

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After you file

  1. 1Store the signed PDF in the client’s permanent record.
  2. 2Log the date and method of signature in the engagement file.
  3. 3Monitor the e‑file status for acceptance or rejection notices.
  4. 4If rejected, review the error code for signature‑related issues.
  5. 5Respond to any IRS requests for the original signed form within the notice timeframe.
  6. 6Update the client on refund or balance‑due status.
  7. 7Keep a backup copy in a{secure} cloud storage for disaster recovery.

Sources

  • SRCForm 14157‑A title and purposeIRS official PDF
  • SRCSignature methods listed on Form 14157‑A instructions
  • SRCNo filing fee indicated on the form
  • SRCRetention recommendationIRS Publication 526 guidance
  • SRCEdition date location on the form header
  • SRCPTIN requirementpreparer section of the form
  • SRCNot clearly stated in the provided official sourcedeadline specifics beyond return filing deadline

Common confusion points

Form 14157‑A vs. Form 8879

Different for paid preparer vs. self‑preparer

→ Verify who prepared the return

PIN vs. password signature

Both are electronic but require different setup

→ Confirm the chosen method is enabled in software

Paper vs. e‑file

Some think the form must be mailed

→ No mailing required for e‑file

Signature capture device

Tablet vs. phone can affect image quality

→ Ensure device meets IRS standards

Retention requirement

Unclear how long to keep

→ Keep for at least three years after filing

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

1 signals

Before

Form 1040 (or other return) | Used with: Form 14157‑A | After: E‑file transmission | If something goes wrong: Form 8879 (self‑preparer) or paper signature on Form 1040

Current

14157A

After

None listed

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Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
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