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IRSCredits & Incentives (8800/8900 Series)

Official form guide

Form 8879: 8879

Form 8879 is the IRS e‑file Signature Authorization. It is used to authorize the electronic filing of an individual income tax return that has already been prepared on Form 1040 series.

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Form Overview

IRS Form 8879 - 8879

Form 8879 is the IRS e‑file Signature Authorization. It is used to authorize the electronic filing of an individual income tax return that has already been prepared on Form 1040 series.

It captures the taxpayer’s name, Social Security number, and a PIN or signature indicating consent to e‑file.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1An unsigned Form 8879 will block the electronic filing entirely.
  • 2Missing taxpayer signature or PIN
  • 3Incorrect SSN or name spelling
  • 4Using an expired PIN
  • 5Failing to retain the form for three years

Plain English

When a tax preparer finishes your return, you sign this short form to tell the IRS you agree to file it electronically. It replaces the traditional handwritten signature on the paper return.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: 2021-01-22 22:10:41
  • 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

individualincome taxincomepaper

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use when filing an individual return electronically with a paid preparer.
  • Do not use for paper‑only filings.
  • Check Form 8879‑EZ for simpler returns that qualify.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Simple return with no dependents

Fewer fields, only taxpayer name and SSN

✓ Verify eligibility first

Form 8879‑EZ

Business entity filing

Corporate e‑file signature

✓ Different signature requirements

Form 8879‑C

Deadline or filing window

Form 8879 must be signed before the e‑file transmission deadline, which is typically the tax filing due date (April 15, unless extended). There is no separate filing deadline for the form itself.

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Taxpayer name

Printed name on Form 1040 · Tax return header

⚠ Misspelled name✕ High
2

Social Security number

SSN on Form 1040 · Taxpayer ID section

⚠ Transposed digits✕ High
3

PIN or signature

Taxpayer’s chosen PIN or handwritten signature · Signature line

⚠ Blank or illegible✕ Medium

Before you submit

  1. 1Confirm the underlying Form 1040 is complete and accurate.
  2. 2Verify taxpayer name matches Social Security card.
  3. 3Check SSN for correct nine‑digit format.
  4. 4Enter a valid five‑digit PIN or obtain a handwritten signature.
  5. 5Ensure the preparer’s signature and PTIN are on the form.
  6. 6Date the form with the day of e‑file transmission.
  7. 7Retain the signed Form 8879 with the tax return for three years.

How to file this form

  1. 1Prepare the final Form 1040 draft.
  2. 2Present the draft to the taxpayer for review.
  3. 3Complete Form 8879 with name, SSN, and PIN.
  4. 4Obtain taxpayer’s signature or PIN entry.
  5. 5Preparer signs, dates, and includes PTIN.
  6. 6Transmit the e‑file using the tax software.
  7. 7Store the signed Form 8879 with the taxpayer’s records.

Known limitations

  1. 1Form 8879 does not itself transmit the return; it only authorizes e‑filing.
  2. 2The form provides no space for additional signatures (e.g., spouse on joint returns) beyond the designated lines.
  3. 3Only applicable to individual returns; corporate or partnership returns require different forms.

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 8879 is currently active for the 2023 tax year. No major revisions have been announced for the upcoming filing season.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date: Verify the form shows the current tax year (e.g., 2023).
  • Fee: No filing fee for Form 8879 itself.
  • Mailing address: Not applicable – retained by preparer.
  • Signature line: Ensure both taxpayer and preparer signatures are present.
  • PIN field: Use a valid five‑digit PIN or the taxpayer’s prior year PIN.

Form Preview

Form 8879 page 1

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Form 8879 page 2

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Quick Facts

The taxpayer (or joint taxpayers) signs; the paid preparer completes the rest.
It captures the taxpayer’s name, Social Security number, and a PIN or signature indicating consent to e‑file.
It is signed after the return is completed and before the e‑file is transmitted, typically on the same day the preparer files.
The preparer keeps the signed Form 8879 in the taxpayer’s records; no separate mailing to the IRS is required.
An unsigned or incomplete Form 8879 can cause the e‑file to be rejected, delaying refunds or requiring a paper filing.
1. Review the completed Form 1040 with the taxpayer. 2. Fill in the taxpayer’s name, SSN, and PIN (or sign). 3. The paid preparer signs and dates the form. 4. Retain the form with the tax return for the required three‑year period.

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After you file

  1. 1File the signed Form 8879 in the taxpayer’s permanent file.
  2. 2Mark the filing date on the form for record‑keeping.
  3. 3Store the form for at least three years from the filing date.
  4. 4Monitor the IRS e‑file status for acceptance or rejection.
  5. 5If rejected, verify the signature section before re‑submitting.
  6. 6Provide the taxpayer with a copy of the acceptance notice.

Sources

  • SRCForm 8879 title and purposeIRS official instructions
  • SRCSignature and PIN fieldsForm 8879 PDF
  • SRCRetention requirementIRS Publication 552
  • SRCNo mailing addressForm instructions
  • SRCEligibility for Form 8879‑EZIRS guidance
  • SRCDeadline tied to tax filing due dateIRS e‑file calendar
  • SRCThree‑year record‑keeping ruleIRS regulations

Common confusion points

PIN vs. handwritten signature

Taxpayers think a PIN replaces a signature entirely

→ Verify the preparer’s software accepts the chosen method

Joint returns

Both spouses must sign if filing jointly

→ Check both signature lines are completed

Form 8879‑EZ eligibility

Some think any return can use the EZ version

→ Confirm the return meets the simplified criteria

Retention period

Some believe the form can be discarded after filing

→ Keep for three years as required

Using a prior year PIN

Taxpayers assume any old PIN works

→ Ensure the PIN is still valid for the current year

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

4 signals

Before

Form 1040 (or 1040‑NR) preparation

Current

8879

After

IRS e‑file transmission receipt

Often used with

Form 8879‑EZ for simple returns

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • Form 1040X for amended returns

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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.
Verify current license terms with the source agency before reuse outside this platform.

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