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Form 8453-EX: Excise Tax Declaration for an IRS e-file Return
IRS Form 8453-EX (Rev. December 2011) is the Excise Tax Declaration for an IRS e-file Return, used to authenticate electronic Forms 720, 2290, or 8849. It must be filed with the electronically submitted return.
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IRS Form 8453-EX - Excise Tax Declaration for an IRS e-file Return
IRS Form 8453-EX (Rev. December 2011) is the Excise Tax Declaration for an IRS e-file Return, used to authenticate electronic Forms 720, 2290, or 8849. It must be filed with the electronically submitted return.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not complete more than one line in Part I of Form 8453-EX.
- 2Filing Form 8453-EX without completing more than one line in Part I.
- 3Entering an amount on a line in Part I when the applicable return line is blank (not entering -0-).
- 4Failing to sign and date the form correctly in the designated space following Part II.
- 5Omitting Part III entirely if the return is filed online through an ISP/transmitter without ERO use.
Plain English
This form confirms that you are filing a tax return electronically (e-file). By completing Form 8453-EX, you authorize the electronic transmission of your taxes and give consent for the IRS to withdraw funds from your account. It is used when submitting Forms 720, 2290, or 8849.
Submission Date
- Filing date: 2012-07-17 00:00:00
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when authenticating electronic Forms 720, 2290, or 8849; authorizing an ERO to transmit via a third-party transmitter; or providing consent for an electronic funds withdrawal for federal tax payment.
- Do not use Form 8453-EX if you are filing through an ERO and have already used Form 8879-EX to select a PIN, as the signature on that form may suffice for authorization details.
- Check Form 8879-EX instead when using it to select a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will be used to electronically sign the return.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Filing through an ISP/transmitter without an ERO
You must file this form with your electronically filed return.
✓ Confirm Part III is NOT completed if filing online via ISP/transmitter.
Taxpayer signs using a PIN instead of the physical signature
The taxpayer's signature allows disclosure of acceptance and processing delay reasons to the ERO, transmitter, and/or ISP.
✓ Verify which form is used for authorization.
Paid Preparer is also the ERO
Do not complete the paid preparer section; instead, check the box labeled “Check if also paid preparer.”
✓ Ensure the checkbox reflects this dual role.
Deadline or filing window
The form must be filed concurrently with the taxpayer’s electronically filed return. After the IRS accepts the return, refunds should generally be issued within 3 weeks, though delays may occur to ensure accuracy.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Part I: Taxpayer Name
Print or type the taxpayer’s name as shown on Forms 720, 2290, or 8849 · Part I of Form 8453-EX
Part I: Taxpayer ID Number
Enter the taxpayer’s identification number as shown on Forms 720, 2290, or 8849 · Part I of Form 8453-EX
Payment Revocation Deadline
Two business days prior to the payment (settlement) date · General Instructions on Page 1
Part III: Paid Preparer PTIN
The preparer tax identification number (PTIN) issued after September 27, 2010 · Part III of Form 8453-EX
ERO's Use Only Section
ERO’s PTIN or Social Security Number · Part III of Form 8453-EX
Before you submit
- 1Print or type the taxpayer’s name correctly on Part I.
- 2Enter the correct taxpayer identification number on Part I.
- 3If filing online through an ISP/transmitter (not using ERO), ensure Part III is NOT completed.
- 4If a paid preparer is also the ERO, check the box labeled “Check if also paid preparer.”
- 5If filing through an ERO, confirm Form 8453-EX or Form 8879-EX was used to obtain authorization.
- 6Ensure the form is saved and ready as a Portable Document Format (PDF) file.
- 7Verify that the electronic funds withdrawal payment authorization is correctly linked to the return on lines 1a or 2a.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Part I by printing or typing the taxpayer’s name and entering their identification number as shown on Forms 720, 2290, or 8849.
- 2Determine if you are filing online through an ISP/transmitter (not using ERO) to decide whether to complete Part III; if so, enter the required PTIN in Part III for paid preparers.
- 3Use a scanner to create a Portable Document Format (PDF) file of the completed form and transmit this PDF with your electronically filed return.
- 4Confirm that you have authorized the electronic funds withdrawal payment through the financial institution indicated on lines 1a or 2a of the return.
Known limitations
- 1A taxpayer using an electronic return originator (ERO) can sign the return or request for refund using a personal identification number (PIN) instead of filing Form 8453-EX.
- 2If filing online through an Intermediate Service Provider (ISP) and/or transmitter without using an ERO, Part III of Form 8453-EX should not be completed.
- 3When reporting total refund on Line 3b for Form 8849, Schedules 2, 3, 5, and 8 cannot be combined with any other schedules; a separate Form 8453-EX must be filed for each of those schedules.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
General Info
2 items
Full legal name and taxpayer identification number (SSN or EIN).
Current mailing address.
Details
2 items
Complete all applicable sections of this form according to the official IRS instructions.
Enter the relevant dollar amount if this form involves tax calculation.
Certification
1 items
Read and acknowledge any certifications required by this form.
Signatures
1 items
Sign and date. Unsigned forms cannot be processed.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition is Revision 12-2011. The source does not point to a separate 'latest information' page, but it references Form 8879-EX for further details.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm Revision 12-2011
- Filer requirement — confirm you are filing Forms 720, 2290, or 8849 through an ISP/transmitter (if not using ERO)
- Submission method — confirm the form is being transmitted as a Portable Document Format (PDF) file with the return
- Signature requirement — confirm the taxpayer's name and TIN are entered on Part I.
- Paid Preparer PTIN — confirm the preparer tax identification number was issued after September 27, 2010.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Retain a copy of the completed Form 8453-EX.
- 2The form must be submitted as a Portable Document Format (PDF) file via your tax preparation software when filing electronically.
- 3If using an ERO and selecting a PIN, the taxpayer's signature allows the IRS to disclose acceptance acknowledgement or reasons for processing delays to the ERO, transmitter, and/or ISP.
- 4The estimated time required for recordkeeping is 2 hours and 23 minutes.
Sources
- SRCForm 8453-EX is the Excise Tax Declaration for an IRS e-file Return (Rev. December 2011) [Form p.1]
- SRCThe form covers the period beginning, 20 , and ending, 20 [Form p.1]
- SRCIt is used with Forms 720, 2290, and 8849 [Form p.1]
- SRCA taxpayer must file Form 8453-EX with their electronically filed return if filing through an ISP/transmitter without using an ERO [Form p.2]
- SRCIf the return is filed online through an ISP/transmitter (not using an ERO), Part III should not be completed [Form p.2]
- SRCThe estimated average time for recordkeeping to complete Form 8453-EX is 2 hrs., 23 min. [Form p.2]
Common confusion points
Do I need to file a paper copy of Form 8453-EX?
The form must be filed electronically, not as a paper copy.
→ Check the instructions on Form 8453-EX.
Where do I enter the amount for Line 1b (Balance due)?
Enter the amount from Form 720, Part III, line 10 into Line 1b of Form 8453-EX.
→ Verify this specific reference on Form 8453-EX.
If I use an ERO, do I still need to file Form 8453-EX?
An ERO can use either Form 8453-EX or Form 8879-EX for authorization.
→ Check the context of your filing method on Form 8453-EX.
When should a paid preparer sign Form 8453-EX?
A paid preparer must sign in the space labeled 'Paid Preparer Use Only', unless that preparer is also the ERO.
→ Look for the specific signing area on Page 2 of Form 8453-EX.
What if Line 1a (Form 720) amount was blank?
If the amount on line 1a was blank, leave lines 1b and 1c blank unless you entered -0-, in which case enter -0-.
→ Check Part I instructions regarding blank entries.
Where should I send Form 8453-EX if it's not being transmitted electronically?
Do not send Form 8453-EX to the address listed for comments; instead, refer to 'When and Where To File' on Page 2.
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Questions about IRS Form 8453-EX
What is IRS Form 8453-EX used for?
This form confirms that you are filing a tax return electronically (e-file). By completing Form 8453-EX, you authorize the electronic transmission of your taxes and give consent for the IRS to withdraw funds from your account. It is used when submitting Forms 720, 2290, or 8849.
Who must file IRS Form 8453-EX?
If a taxpayer is filing Forms 720, 2290, or 8849 through an ISP and/or transmitter without using an ERO, the taxpayer must file Form 8453-EX. An Electronic Return Originator (ERO) can also use this form to obtain authorization.
What information does IRS Form 8453-EX require?
Part I identifies the return type and amount being declared for Forms 720, 2290, or 8849. Part II contains the taxpayer's declaration, while Part III details information about the ERO and Paid Preparer.
When is IRS Form 8453-EX due?
The form must be filed with the taxpayer’s electronically filed return. Following acceptance by the IRS, the refund should be issued within 3 weeks.
Where do I file IRS Form 8453-EX?
Form 8453-EX is filed with the taxpayer’s electronically filed return using a Portable Document Format (PDF) file transmitted through your tax preparation software.
How do I complete IRS Form 8453-EX?
First, fill out Part I by checking the appropriate box (1a, 2a, or 3a) and entering the corresponding amount. Next, complete Part II with your signature and date. Depending on how you file, complete Part III with ERO/Preparer details.
What happens if IRS Form 8453-EX is filed incorrectly?
If the form is completed incorrectly, the IRS may delay processing the return or refund to ensure that returns are accurate. The declaration in Part III must accurately reflect the data on the return.
Do I need to file a paper copy of Form 8453-EX?
The form must be filed electronically, not as a paper copy. Check the instructions on Form 8453-EX.
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