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Form 8879-EX: IRS e-file Signature Authorization for Forms 720, 2290, and 8849
IRS Form 8879-EX is used for e-file Signature Authorization for Forms 720, 2290, and 8849. This form allows taxpayers to use a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to electronically sign their return.
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IRS Form 8879-EX - IRS e-file Signature Authorization for Forms 720, 2290, and 8849
IRS Form 8879-EX is used for e-file Signature Authorization for Forms 720, 2290, and 8849. This form allows taxpayers to use a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to electronically sign their return.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not submit this form to the IRS unless specifically requested; the ERO must retain it!
- 2Failing to check only one box in Part I for the return being filed.
- 3Entering an amount of -0- when the applicable line is blank (instead of leaving it blank).
- 4Completing more than one line in Part I.
- 5The ERO entering their firm name instead of the individual preparer's name on Part II.
Plain English
This form lets you authorize the Electronic Return Originator (ERO)—the software or person filing your taxes—to use your personal PIN as your electronic signature. It is used when you are filing an excise tax return or requesting a refund for Forms 720, 2290, or 8849. By completing this form, you confirm the details of your return and authorize the digital signing process.
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 an electronic return originator (ERO), transmitter, or intermediate service provider is using a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to electronically sign a tax return or request for refund for Forms 720, 2290, and 8849.
- Do not use Form 8879-EX when you are filing the return manually (on paper) but still need to authorize an electronic funds withdrawal (direct debit).
- Check Form 8453-EX instead when using this form for e-file Signature Authorization, unless specifically authorizing an electronic funds withdrawal.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Need authorization for a return where you are not using a PIN to sign
You must use this alternative if the primary purpose is signature authorization without PIN usage.
✓ Confirm Part I on Form 8453-EX matches your return details.
Filing an excise tax return and need ERO to enter your PIN
This form specifies the relevant returns for which the PIN authorization applies.
✓ Verify the Taxpayer ID Number on both forms match exactly.
Need to authorize electronic funds withdrawal (direct debit) for a return
While this form covers signature, it also authorizes payment; if only payment is needed, check instructions.
✓ Ensure you complete Part I and sign/date correctly.
Deadline or filing window
The Form 8879-EX must be completed and signed before the electronic return is transmitted. The specific period covered begins on a date in 20 and ends on a corresponding date in 20, as noted on the form itself.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Part I (Type of Return)
Check box for return(s) being filed · Form 8879-EX
Taxpayer identification number
Number as shown on Forms 720, 2290, or 8849 · Part I
ERO's EFIN/PIN
Six-digit EFIN followed by five-digit PIN · Part III
Authorization (Payment)
Taxpayer consent to electronic funds withdrawal via U.S. Treasury Financial Agent · Form 8879-EX, Part I
ERO Firm Name
The official name of the ERO firm (not individual preparer) · Part II
Date
Current date of signing · Taxpayer/ERO signature lines
Before you submit
- 1Check that you have completed and signed Form 8879-EX before the electronic return is transmitted.
- 2Verify that Part I accurately lists the type of return(s) being authorized (check boxes).
- 3Confirm the Taxpayer identification number matches the name listed on Forms 720, 2290, or 8849 in Part I.
- 4Select only one line to complete in Part I if multiple returns are involved.
- 5If you authorize ERO entry of PIN, check the appropriate box in Part II.
- 6Ensure the Taxpayer’s signature includes a date and your PIN is correctly entered in Part III.
- 7Verify that the ERO has completed Part III with their signature, date, and correct EFIN/PIN.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Part I by checking the box for the return(s) being filed (Forms 720, 2290, or 8849) and entering corresponding amounts.
- 2In Part II, confirm the ERO firm name is listed if they are authorized to enter your PIN, and check the appropriate authorization box.
- 3Complete Part III by providing your signature and date, followed by the ERO’s signature and date. The ERO must also provide their EFIN/PIN in Part III.
- 4If submitting for paper records (not e-file), keep a copy of Form 8879-EX; do not send it to the IRS unless requested.
Known limitations
- 1Form 8879-EX does not apply if the taxpayer and electronic return originator (ERO) do not want to use a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to electronically sign an excise tax return or request for refund.
- 2If Form 8879-EX is not used to sign the return, Form 8453-EX, Excise Tax Declaration, must be used for an IRS e-file Return.
- 3The form does not need to be sent to the IRS unless specifically requested by the IRS.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Entity Info
1 items
Name and taxpayer ID of the entity claiming the credit.
Credit Info
1 items
Type of credit or incentive being claimed.
Calculation
2 items
The base amount used to calculate the credit.
Calculated credit amount after applying formulas and limitations.
Certification
1 items
Detailed breakdown supporting the credit calculation.
Signatures
1 items
Sign and date the form.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition is Revision December 2010 (Rev. 12-2010). The source does not specify a separate 'latest information' page, but the form itself carries this revision date.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision reads December 2010 (Rev. 12-2010).
- Fee — Not stated in the official source.
- Mailing address — Not stated in the official source.
- Signature — verify that both Taxpayer and ERO signatures are present.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of Form 8879-EX for your records.
- 2If filing as an ERO, retain the completed Form 8879-EX for 3 years from the return due date or IRS received date, whichever is later.
- 3The taxpayer must provide the ERO with a copy of the signed Form 8879-EX upon request.
- 4If changes are made to the return, the ERO must provide the taxpayer with a corrected copy of Form 8879-EX.
Sources
- SRCForm 8879-EX (Rev. December 2010) governs this document (Form p.1).
- SRCThe form covers the period beginning, 20 , and ending, 20 (Form p.1).
- SRCPart I requires entering the Name and Taxpayer identification number as shown on Forms 720, 2290, or 8849 (Form p.1).
- SRCThe purpose of Form 8879-EX is to allow a PIN to electronically sign an excise tax return or request for refund (Form p.2).
- SRCIf the taxpayer authorizes the ERO to enter their PIN, the ERO must complete Part III below (Form p.1).
- SRCThe ERO must retain Form 8879-EX for 3 years from the return due date or IRS received date, whichever is later (Form p.2).
Common confusion points
Do I need to send this form to the IRS?
The instructions state not to send it unless requested.
→ Confirm the instruction: 'Do not send to the IRS' (Form p.1).
What if my return amount is blank on Part I?
If you check a box in lines 1a, 2a, or 3a and the amount for that line was blank, leave lines 1b, 1c, 2b, or 3b blank (do not enter -0-).
→ Check if you entered '-0-' on the return; if so, enter '-0-' on the applicable line below.
When must I use this form?
Use Form 8879-EX when you and the ERO want to use a PIN to electronically sign an excise tax return or request for refund.
→ Check Part II (Taxpayer's signature) date against your filing period dates.
What is the difference between my signature and the Taxpayer’s PIN?
The taxpayer certifies that the numeric entry in Part III is their PIN, which serves as their signature on the electronically filed return.
→ Verify the ERO entered a five-digit PIN other than all zeros when authorizing it to be entered.
Do I need to fill out every line in Part I?
Do not complete more than one line in Part I of Form 8879-EX.
→ Check which specific return (1a, 2a, or 3a) you are filing for and ensure only that line is completed.
What if the ERO enters my PIN?
The taxpayer checks a box authorizing the ERO firm name to enter their PIN; in this case, the ERO must complete Part III.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- Form 8453-EX is used if you do not use Form 8879-EX to sign your return.
Questions about IRS Form 8879-EX
What is IRS Form 8879-EX used for?
This form lets you authorize the Electronic Return Originator (ERO)—the software or person filing your taxes—to use your personal PIN as your electronic signature. It is used when you are filing an excise tax return or requesting a refund for Forms 720, 2290, or 8849. By completing this form, you confirm the details of your return and authorize the digital signing process.
Who must file IRS Form 8879-EX?
The taxpayer filing Forms 720, 2290, or 8849 must complete Form 8879-EX. The Electronic Return Originator (ERO) is responsible for completing this form as well when they are authorized to enter the PIN.
What information does IRS Form 8879-EX require?
Part I collects information such as your Name and Taxpayer identification number, along with checking which specific return you are using and entering the applicable amount. Part II details whether the ERO can enter your PIN or if you will sign it yourself. Part III requires the ERO’s signature and date.
When is IRS Form 8879-EX due?
The form must be completed and signed before the electronic return is transmitted (or released for transmission). The specific period covered on Form 8879-EX starts on a specified date in 20 and ends on a specified date in 20.
Where do I file IRS Form 8879-EX?
Do not send Form 8879-EX to the IRS unless requested to do so. The Electronic Return Originator (ERO) must retain this completed form for 3 years from the return due date or IRS received date, whichever is later.
How do I complete IRS Form 8879-EX?
First, the taxpayer verifies the return type in Part I and signs/dates Part II. If authorizing the ERO, they must indicate or verify their five-number PIN. The ERO then completes Part III by providing their six-digit EFIN followed by a five-digit self-selected PIN, along with their signature and date.
What happens if IRS Form 8879-EX is filed incorrectly?
The taxpayer’s return will not be transmitted to the IRS until the ERO receives the signed Form 8879-EX. Failure to sign and return it means the electronic filing process stops at the ERO's end.
Do I need to send this form to the IRS?
The instructions state not to send it unless requested. Confirm the instruction: 'Do not send to the IRS' (Form p.1).
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