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IRSCredits & Incentives (8800/8900 Series)

Official form guide

Form 8878: 8878

Form 8878, IRS e-file Signature Authorization, is used to authorize an Electronic Return Originator (ERO) to transmit a taxpayer’s electronic return. File it before the electronic return is submitted to the IRS.

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Form Overview

IRS Form 8878 - 8878

Form 8878, IRS e-file Signature Authorization, is used to authorize an Electronic Return Originator (ERO) to transmit a taxpayer’s electronic return. File it before the electronic return is submitted to the IRS.

It captures the taxpayer’s name, SSN/EIN, address, and a signature authorizing the ERO to submit the return electronically.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A missing or invalid signature will cause the entire e‑filed return to be rejected.
  • 2Missing taxpayer signature
  • 3Incorrect SSN/EIN
  • 4Signature date after transmission
  • 5Using an outdated form version

Plain English

This form lets a tax preparer or software provider sign your return electronically on your behalf. It’s a written record that you gave them permission to file your return online.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: 2026-01-07 15:10:54
  • 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

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What this form is for

  • Use when authorizing an ERO to e‑file a return.
  • Do not use for paper‑filed returns.
  • If the taxpayer is a partnership or corporation, see Form 8879‑F.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Paper filing

No electronic signature needed

✓ Verify filing method first

Form 1040 (paper)

Corporate e‑file

Similar authorization for corporations

✓ Confirm entity type

Form 8879‑F

Deadline or filing window

Form 8878 must be signed and attached before the ERO transmits the electronic return. If the return is filed on the regular deadline (April 15 for most individuals), the form must be completed no later than that date. Extensions push the deadline to the extended filing date.

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Taxpayer name and SSN/EIN

Valid identification document · Tax return header

⚠ Misspelled name or wrong number✕ High
2

Signature block

Handwritten or electronic signature · Form itself

⚠ Illegible or missing signature✕ High
3

Date of signature

Current date · Signature line

⚠ Date after transmission✕ Medium
4

ERO identification

ERO’s PTIN or firm name · Preparers section

⚠ Wrong PTIN✕ Medium

Before you submit

  1. 1Confirm form edition matches tax year
  2. 2Verify taxpayer name and SSN/EIN exactly match the return
  3. 3Obtain taxpayer’s handwritten or approved electronic signature
  4. 4Enter correct date of signature (on or before filing)
  5. 5ERO signs and includes its PTIN
  6. 6Attach Form 8878 to the electronic return package
  7. 7Retain a copy for the taxpayer’s records
  8. 8Check that the ERO’s system has logged the form

How to file this form

  1. 1Fill taxpayer information on the top of Form 8878.
  2. 2Have the taxpayer sign and date the authorization section.
  3. 3ERO completes its signature block with PTIN and date.
  4. 4Upload the completed form to the ERO’s e‑file system.
  5. 5ERO attaches the form to the return before transmission.
  6. 6Transmit the return through the IRS e‑file system.
  7. 7ERO confirms receipt of the return and retains Form 8878.

Known limitations

  1. 1Form does not apply to paper returns.
  2. 2Only authorizes the specific ERO named on the form.
  3. 3IRS does not provide a public validation tool for the form.
  4. 4If the taxpayer is a partnership, a different form (8879‑P) may be required.

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 8878 is currently active for tax years 2022 onward. Check the IRS website for any revisions before filing.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – verify the form shows the current tax year edition
  • Fee – no filing fee for Form 8878
  • Mailing address – not applicable; retained by ERO
  • Signature block – ensure both taxpayer and ERO sections are present
  • Electronic retention – confirm ERO stores the form per IRS rules

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Form 8878 page 1

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Form 8878 page 2

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Quick Facts

The taxpayer (or authorized representative) signs; the ERO files the form with the return.
It captures the taxpayer’s name, SSN/EIN, address, and a signature authorizing the ERO to submit the return electronically.
Attach Form 8878 to the return before the ERO transmits the e‑filed return; it must be signed before the filing deadline for that tax year.
Submit the form to the ERO who will retain it in the electronic filing record; no separate mailing to the IRS is required.
If the signature or authorization is missing or inaccurate, the IRS will reject the electronic return and you could miss the filing deadline.
1. Complete the taxpayer’s identifying information on the top of the form. 2. The taxpayer signs and dates the authorization section. 3. The ERO signs the preparer/ERO section. 4. The ERO attaches the completed form to the electronic return package before transmission.

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After you file

  1. 1Obtain a copy of the transmitted return and attached Form 8878 from the ERO.
  2. 2Store the copy with other tax records for at least three years.
  3. 3Verify the IRS acknowledgment (e‑file acceptance) references the correct ERO.
  4. 4If the return is rejected, review the signature and date fields for errors.
  5. 5Notify the taxpayer of any follow‑up actions required.
  6. 6Keep a log of the filing date and ERO contact information.

Sources

  • SRCIRS Form 8878 official instructionsconfirms purpose and signature requirements
  • SRCIRS e‑file FAQsclarifies that the form is retained by the ERO, not mailed to IRS
  • SRCIRS Publication 1345defines Electronic Return Originator (ERO)
  • SRCIRS websiteshows current edition date for Form 8878
  • SRCNot clearly stated in the provided official sourceexact deadline for attaching the form beyond “before transmission”
  • SRCNot clearly stated in the provided official sourcefee information (generally none, but not explicitly listed)
  • SRCNot clearly stated in the provided official sourcestorage period requirement for EROs

Common confusion points

Form 8878 vs. Form 8879 – 8878 is for authorizing the ERO; 8879 is the taxpayer’s signature for the return itself.

Paper vs. electronic – 8878 is only for e‑filed returns; paper filers use no signature authorization.

Corporate vs. individual – corporations use Form 8879‑F, not 8878.

Date of signature – some think it must be the filing date; it must be on or before transmission.

Retention – taxpayers sometimes think they must mail the form to the IRS; it stays with the ERO.

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

4 signals

Before

Form 1040 (or other tax return) preparation

Current

8878

After

IRS e‑file acceptance notice

Often used with

Form 8879 (IRS e‑file Signature Authorization for the return itself)

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • Form 1040X (amended return) may be needed if the original return is rejected

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Source transparency

Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms

Independent guide

BrieflyGo links to and explains official public form sources. We are not a government agency, and this page is for general form guidance, not legal advice.

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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