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Form 8453-TE: Tax-Exempt Entity Declaration and Signature for E-file

IRS Form 8453-TE is a Tax-Exempt Entity Declaration and Signature for E-file used with various tax returns, including Forms 990 and 1120-POL; for calendar year 2025, the form covers filings beginning in 2025.

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Form Overview

IRS Form 8453-TE - Tax-Exempt Entity Declaration and Signature for E-file

IRS Form 8453-TE is a Tax-Exempt Entity Declaration and Signature for E-file used with various tax returns, including Forms 990 and 1120-POL; for calendar year 2025, the form covers filings beginning in 2025.

Part I collects basic entity information like the Name and EIN/SSN. The form also requires checking boxes in Part I to specify the Type of Return being filed and entering associated amounts on lines 1a through 10b.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1Do not leave lines 1b-10b blank when line 1a-10a is checked if the amount was zero.
  • 2Failing to enter whole dollars for forms other than 8038-CP and 5330 (Part I).
  • 3Entering -0- on line 1b-10b when the return amount was blank instead of leaving it blank.
  • 4Not checking Part II if the return requires IRS Fed/State program copy instructions.
  • 5Forgetting to sign or complete the Paid Preparer section in Part III when applicable.

Plain English

This form declares that an entity is tax-exempt and certifies it when filing its annual return electronically. It confirms which specific tax forms are being submitted with this declaration. The IRS uses this to verify compliance for various types of exempt organizations.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: 2025-12-09 10:10:33
  • 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

verify

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What this form is for

  • Use this form when an entity must authenticate its electronic filing of Forms 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T, 1120-POL, 4720, 8868, 5227, 5330, or 8038-CP, and the filing is not done through an Electronic Return Originator (ERO).
  • Do not use this form when an entity officer or person subject to tax is signing the return via a Personal Identification Number (PIN) using Form 8879-TE.
  • Check Form 8879-TE instead when an ERO can sign the return using a personal identification number (PIN).

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Filing Form 1120-POL

This date is specific to Form 1120-POL filing requirements.

✓ Check the due date against your entity's accounting period.

File by the 15th day of the 4th month after the organization’s accounting period ends

Filing Form 990-T

The exact deadline varies based on the instructions provided with Form 990-T itself.

✓ Verify the specific filing month/day in the Form 990-T instructions.

File according to Instructions for Form 990-T

Final Short-Year Period Filing

This deadline applies specifically to trusts completing a short-year period.

✓ Confirm the termination date of the trust for accurate filing deadlines.

Due by the 15th day of the 4th month following the date of trust termination

Deadline or filing window

The filing deadline varies by form type. For Form 4720, it is generally the return due date or the 15th day of the 5th month after year end. If a final short-year period applies to Form 5227, the deadline is the 15th day of the 4th month following termination.

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Part I (Type of Return)

The specific tax return being filed (e.g., Form 990) · Part I of Form 8453-TE

⚠ Entering the wrong form type will misidentify the filing.✕ High
2

Filer Identification

EIN or SSN · Name of filer section

⚠ Using an incorrect identifier prevents IRS matching.✕ Medium
3

Form 1120-POL Filing Date

15th day of the 4th month after accounting period ends · Form 8453-TE (Page 2)

⚠ Missing this specific deadline causes late filing penalties for political organizations.✕ High
4

ERO Signing

Either facsimile signature or printed name · Part III (if applicable)

⚠ Failure to include an authorized signature invalidates the declaration.✕ High
5

PTIN Entry (for paid preparers)

PTIN issued after September 27, 2010 · Part III section for Paid Preparers

⚠ Using an outdated PTIN may cause rejection by the IRS system.✕ Medium
6

ISP Transmission Authorization

Required if filing online without using an ERO · Form 8453-TE (Page 2)

⚠ If this authorization is missing, the ISP cannot transmit on your behalf.✕ Medium

Before you submit

  1. 1Verify the form revision date reads 20/25.
  2. 2Confirm the Name of filer and their EIN or SSN are correctly entered.
  3. 3Check the box corresponding to the specific type of return being filed in Part I.
  4. 4Ensure dollar amounts (if applicable) for Form 8038-CP and Form 5330 are entered with cents.
  5. 5Verify that all other form amounts (e.g., Form 990) are entered as whole dollars only.
  6. 6If using an ERO, confirm the signature method includes either a facsimile or printed name in Part III.
  7. 7If paid preparers are involved, verify their PTIN was issued after September 27, 2010.

How to file this form

  1. 1Complete Form 8453-TE by entering the filer's name and EIN or SSN in Part I.
  2. 2Check the appropriate box in Part I to declare the type of return being filed, entering any applicable amounts.
  3. 3If using an ERO, ensure that either a facsimile signature or printed name is included in Part III.
  4. 4Create a PDF file of the completed Form 8453-TE using a scanner.
  5. 5Transmit this PDF file along with the electronically filed return through your tax preparation software.

Known limitations

  1. 1The form must be used with Forms 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T, 1120-POL, 4720, 8868, 5227, 5330, and 8038-CP.
  2. 2For Form 8038-CP and Form 5330 filers, the amount entered in Part I can be dollars and cents. For all other forms listed, only whole dollars are allowed.
  3. 3If a line on the return filed with Form 8453-TE is blank (and the corresponding box is checked), the applicable line in Part I must also remain blank; entering '-0-' when it should be blank is incorrect.
  4. 4The form covers filings for calendar year 2025, or any tax year beginning and ending in 2025.

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

The current edition is 20/25, covering calendar year 2025 filings. The form directs users to www.irs.gov/Form8453TE for the latest information regarding developments.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date — confirm the revision reads 20/25.
  • Form number — confirm the title is IRS Form 8453-TE.
  • Filing year coverage — confirm it covers calendar year 2025 (or tax year beginning in 2025).
  • Signature method — confirm if signing via ERO uses this form or Form 8879-TE.
  • Taxpayer identification — confirm the required entry fields for EIN or SSN are present.

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Quick Facts

Any taxpayer who files one of the listed returns—such as Form 990, Form 1120-POL, or Form 8038-CP—must file Form 8453-TE.
Part I collects basic entity information like the Name and EIN/SSN. The form also requires checking boxes in Part I to specify the Type of Return being filed and entering associated amounts on lines 1a through 10b.
For Form 4720, generally file by the due date of the organization’s return or by the 15th day of the 5th month after the tax year end. For a final short-year period, the return is due by the 15th day of the 4th month following termination.
The form must be filed with its corresponding electronically filed return; for example, it must accompany the electronically filed Form 1120-POL or Form 4720.
Failing to file correctly may result in issues related to the IRS Fed/State program if Part II is not checked when required. The instructions mandate specific filing rules based on which form accompanies it.
Complete Part I by checking the relevant return type and entering amounts (whole dollars unless specified). If an ERO signs, they may use a rubber stamp or computer software; otherwise, complete the necessary signature sections in Part III.

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After you file

  1. 1Create a PDF file of the completed Form 8453-TE using a scanner.
  2. 2Transmit this PDF file along with the electronic return using your tax preparation software.
  3. 3Retain a copy of the filed Form 8453-TE for records.
  4. 4If an ERO is used, they can use Form 8453-TE or Form 8879-TE to obtain authorization.
  5. 5The form authorizes the electronic filing entity (ERO) to transmit via a third-party transmitter.

Sources

  • SRCForm p.1 — The form covers filings for calendar year 2025, or tax year beginning , 2025, and ending , 20.
  • SRCInstructions p.1 — For Form 8038-CP and Form 5330 filers, the amount entered in Part I can be dollars and cents; for all other forms listed (990, 990-EZ, etc.), enter whole dollars only.
  • SRCInstructions p.1 — If a line on the return filed with this form is blank after checking the box, leave the applicable line in Part I blank (do not enter -0-) unless you entered -0- on the return.
  • SRCForm p.2 — Form 8453-TE is used to authenticate electronic filings for Forms 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T, 1120-POL, 4720, 8868, 5227, 5330, and 8038-CP.
  • SRCForm p.2 — Organizations filing Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF must file by the 15th day of the 5th month after the organization’s accounting period ends.
  • SRCInstructions p.3 — Anyone paid to prepare the entity return must enter their PTIN in Part III if they are a Paid preparer using Form 8453-TE.

Common confusion points

What do I enter in Part I if my return amount is zero?

If I check a box on Form 8453-TE, must the corresponding line below be blank or '-0-'?

When should an ERO use Form 8453-TE instead of Form 8879-TE?

Does every filer need to enter a PTIN in Part III?

What happens if my return due date is a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday?

If I am not the paid preparer but still file for an entity, where do I put my ID number?

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

4 signals

Before

Form 5330 (Return of Excise Taxes Related to Employee Benefit Plans) must be filed with Form 8453-TE.

Current

8453-TE

After

None listed

Often used with

Form 990 (Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax)Form 1120-POL (U.S. Income Tax Return for Certain Political Organizations)

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • An ERO can use Form 8879-TE to obtain authorization instead of using Form 8453-TE.

Questions about IRS Form 8453-TE

What is IRS Form 8453-TE used for?

This form declares that an entity is tax-exempt and certifies it when filing its annual return electronically. It confirms which specific tax forms are being submitted with this declaration. The IRS uses this to verify compliance for various types of exempt organizations.

Who must file IRS Form 8453-TE?

Any taxpayer who files one of the listed returns—such as Form 990, Form 1120-POL, or Form 8038-CP—must file Form 8453-TE.

What information does IRS Form 8453-TE require?

Part I collects basic entity information like the Name and EIN/SSN. The form also requires checking boxes in Part I to specify the Type of Return being filed and entering associated amounts on lines 1a through 10b.

When is IRS Form 8453-TE due?

For Form 4720, generally file by the due date of the organization’s return or by the 15th day of the 5th month after the tax year end. For a final short-year period, the return is due by the 15th day of the 4th month following termination.

Where do I file IRS Form 8453-TE?

The form must be filed with its corresponding electronically filed return; for example, it must accompany the electronically filed Form 1120-POL or Form 4720.

How do I complete IRS Form 8453-TE?

Complete Part I by checking the relevant return type and entering amounts (whole dollars unless specified). If an ERO signs, they may use a rubber stamp or computer software; otherwise, complete the necessary signature sections in Part III.

What happens if IRS Form 8453-TE is filed incorrectly?

Failing to file correctly may result in issues related to the IRS Fed/State program if Part II is not checked when required. The instructions mandate specific filing rules based on which form accompanies it.

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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.
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