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IRSCredits & Incentives (8800/8900 Series)

Official form guide

Form 8871: IRS Form 8871

Form 8871 is the IRS application used by an Electronic Return Originator (ERO) to request participation in the IRS e‑file program. File it when you want to become an authorized ERO or add a new responsible party.

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Form Overview

IRS Form 8871 - 8871

Form 8871 is the IRS application used by an Electronic Return Originator (ERO) to request participation in the IRS e‑file program. File it when you want to become an authorized ERO or add a new responsible party.

It captures the ERO’s name, EIN, address, responsible party details, software vendor information, and the type of returns the ERO plans to transmit.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A single missing signature can halt the entire e‑file enrollment.
  • 2Missing or outdated EIN
  • 3Signature not in ink or illegible
  • 4Incorrect mailing address
  • 5Omitting the software vendor’s IRS e‑file ID

Plain English

If you run a tax‑preparation business and want to send returns to the IRS electronically, you must fill out Form 8871. It tells the IRS who you are, what software you’ll use, and who can sign the returns on your behalf.

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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Glossary Terms

electronicvendor

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use this form when applying to become a new ERO.
  • Do not use it to add a new responsible party after approval; file Form 8879‑R instead.
  • If you only need to update address or software vendor, submit Form 8872.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Adding a new responsible party

Updates signing authority only

✓ Verify existing ERO approval first

Form 8879‑R

Changing software vendor

Notifies IRS of new software ID

✓ Ensure vendor is IRS‑approved

Form 8872

Deadline or filing window

There is no fixed calendar deadline, but the IRS must approve the application before any electronic filing. Submit the form as soon as you are ready to begin e‑filing to avoid gaps in service.

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Responsible Party Name

Government‑issued ID or Power of Attorney · Driver’s license, passport, or POA document

⚠ Misspelling or wrong ID number✕ High
2

Software Vendor ID

Vendor’s IRS e‑File identification number · Vendor contract or IRS approval letter

⚠ Using an outdated ID✕ Medium
3

EIN

Employer Identification Number · IRS EIN confirmation letter

⚠ Transposed digits✕ High
4

Address

Current business mailing address · Utility bill or lease

⚠ Old address listed✕ Medium

Before you submit

  1. 1Form is the latest edition.
  2. 2All required fields are completed.
  3. 3Responsible party’s signature is present and legible.
  4. 4EIN matches IRS records.
  5. 5Software vendor’s IRS e‑file ID is correct.
  6. 6Supporting documents (POA, vendor letter) are attached.
  7. 7Mailing/fax address matches instructions.
  8. 8Copy of the completed form retained for records.

How to file this form

  1. 1Download the PDF from IRS.gov.
  2. 2Print the form on white 8.5" x 11" paper.
  3. 3Enter business information, EIN, and address.
  4. 4Provide responsible party details and signature.
  5. 5Attach any required supporting documents.
  6. 6Mail or fax to the address/fax number in the instructions.
  7. 7Track delivery confirmation (certified mail or fax receipt).
  8. 8Await written approval before transmitting any returns.

Known limitations

  1. 1The form does not collect fee information because no fee is required.
  2. 2IRS may request additional documentation not listed on the form.
  3. 3Electronic submission is not accepted; only paper or fax.
  4. 4Processing time varies; the form provides no guaranteed timeline.

Field map

Compact field-by-field guide

6 fields

Entity Info

1 items

Taxpayer Name and TIN

Name and taxpayer ID of the entity claiming the credit.

Requiredtext

Credit Info

1 items

Credit Type

Type of credit or incentive being claimed.

Requiredselect

Calculation

2 items

Qualifying Amount

The base amount used to calculate the credit.

Requiredamount
Credit Amount

Calculated credit amount after applying formulas and limitations.

Requiredamount

Certification

1 items

Supporting Information

Detailed breakdown supporting the credit calculation.

text

Signatures

1 items

Signature

Sign and date the form.

Requiredsignature
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Current form status
IRS

Form 8871 is currently active and accepted for the 2024 filing year. Check the IRS website for any updates before submission.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – verify the form shows the current tax year (2024).
  • Fee – no filing fee for Form 8871.
  • Mailing address – use the address in the current instructions.
  • Fax number – confirm the fax number matches the latest IRS guidance.
  • Signature requirements – ink signature required unless a power of attorney is attached.

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Form 8871 page 2

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Quick Facts

The business or individual that will act as the ERO files this form.
It captures the ERO’s name, EIN, address, responsible party details, software vendor information, and the type of returns the ERO plans to transmit.
File before you begin transmitting electronic returns; the IRS must approve the application before any e‑file activity.
Mail the completed form to the address listed in the instructions (IRS e‑File Operations, P.O. Box 7704, Austin, TX 78766) or fax it to the number in the instructions.
Incorrect or incomplete information can delay approval, preventing you from filing returns electronically and possibly causing penalties for late filing.
1. Download the latest Form 8871 PDF from IRS.gov. 2. Fill in all required fields, including the responsible party’s signature. 3. Attach any required supporting documents (e.g., power of attorney). 4. Mail or fax the package to the address/fax in the instructions. 5. Wait for written approval before transmitting any returns.

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Blank Form 8871↗Instructions↗

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After you file

  1. 1Keep the mailed/faxed copy and delivery receipt.
  2. 2File the IRS approval notice in your compliance folder.
  3. 3Update internal systems with the approved ERO status.
  4. 4Notify your software vendor of the approval date.
  5. 5Begin transmitting returns only after written approval.
  6. 6Monitor the IRS e‑file status portal for any follow‑up requests.
  7. 7Review the approval for any restrictions on return types.

Sources

  • SRCForm 8871 title and purposeIRS official form description
  • SRCResponsible party signature requirementForm instructions
  • SRCMailing addressIRS Form 8871 instructions page
  • SRCNo filing feeIRS fee schedule for e‑file applications
  • SRCEdition date requirementIRS form revision notes
  • SRCFax submission optionIRS instructions for Form 8871
  • SRCProcessing timelineIRS guidance on ERO approval
  • SRCRelated forms (8872, 8879‑R)IRS form cross‑reference list

Common confusion points

EROs vs. PTIN holders

Many think a PTIN holder can e‑file without Form 8871

→ Verify ERO status before filing

Signature on Form 8871

Some assume electronic signatures are accepted

→ Only ink signatures (or POA) are valid

Mail vs. fax submission

Users think either works interchangeably

→ Follow the method specified in the current instructions

Software vendor ID

Often confused with the vendor’s tax software version

→ Use the IRS‑assigned vendor ID

Adding a new responsible party

Mistakenly file Form 8871 again

→ Use Form 8879‑R for updates

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

4 signals

Before

Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) if a POA is needed

Current

8871

After

Form 8879‑R (Responsible Party Update)

Often used with

Form 8872 (Software Vendor Update)

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • Contact IRS e‑File Operations at 1‑800‑829‑1040

Questions about IRS Form 8871

What is IRS Form 8871 used for?

If you run a tax‑preparation business and want to send returns to the IRS electronically, you must fill out Form 8871. It tells the IRS who you are, what software you’ll use, and who can sign the returns on your behalf.

Who must file IRS Form 8871?

The business or individual that will act as the ERO files this form.

What information does IRS Form 8871 require?

It captures the ERO’s name, EIN, address, responsible party details, software vendor information, and the type of returns the ERO plans to transmit.

When is IRS Form 8871 due?

File before you begin transmitting electronic returns; the IRS must approve the application before any e‑file activity.

Where do I file IRS Form 8871?

Mail the completed form to the address listed in the instructions (IRS e‑File Operations, P.O. Box 7704, Austin, TX 78766) or fax it to the number in the instructions.

How do I complete IRS Form 8871?

1. Download the latest Form 8871 PDF from IRS.gov. 2. Fill in all required fields, including the responsible party’s signature. 3. Attach any required supporting documents (e.g., power of attorney). 4. Mail or fax the package to the address/fax in the instructions. 5. Wait for written approval before transmitting any returns.

What happens if IRS Form 8871 is filed incorrectly?

Incorrect or incomplete information can delay approval, preventing you from filing returns electronically and possibly causing penalties for late filing.

EROs vs. PTIN holders — what should I check?

Many think a PTIN holder can e‑file without Form 8871 Verify ERO status before filing

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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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