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Official form guide
Form 8879-EX: 8879-EX
Form 8879‑EX is the IRS e‑file Signature Authorization for the U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return (Form 1040‑NR). It is filed when the taxpayer wants to submit the 1040‑NR electronically and must sign the return without a paper signature.
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IRS Form 8879-EX - 8879-EX
Form 8879‑EX is the IRS e‑file Signature Authorization for the U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return (Form 1040‑NR). It is filed when the taxpayer wants to submit the 1040‑NR electronically and must sign the return without a paper signature.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1An unsigned 8879‑EX will automatically reject the entire e‑file.
- 2Incorrect SSN/ITIN prevents matching the return.
- 3Missing or wrong tax year blocks processing.
- 4Using an outdated PIN format.
- 5Failing to sign before transmission.
Plain English
This form says, “I approve the electronic filing of my nonresident alien tax return.” It replaces the handwritten signature that would normally go on a paper 1040‑NR. You only need it if you’re filing the return through the IRS e‑file system.
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 when filing Form 1040‑NR electronically.
- Do not use for paper‑filed 1040‑NR returns.
- Check Form 8879‑E if filing a resident individual return.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Paper filing
No electronic signature needed
✓ Verify filing method first
Resident individual e‑file
Different signature format
✓ Use correct form for resident returns
Deadline or filing window
The form must be completed and transmitted by the filing deadline for the 1040‑NR (generally April 15, or the extended deadline if an extension is filed). If the e‑file is sent after the deadline, the return may be considered late and subject to penalties.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Taxpayer name
Government‑issued ID or passport · 1040‑NR header
SSN/ITIN
IRS notice or passport · 1040‑NR identification section
Tax year
Calendar year of return · Form title
PIN/e‑signature
IRS‑issued PIN or software‑generated · Signature block
Before you submit
- 1Confirm the 1040‑NR is complete and accurate.
- 2Verify the taxpayer’s name matches the Social Security or ITIN record.
- 3Check that the SSN/ITIN is entered correctly.
- 4Enter the correct tax year on the form.
- 5Generate or retrieve the correct electronic PIN.
- 6Sign the form using the approved method.
- 7Review all fields for typographical errors.
- 8Ensure the e‑file software is IRS‑approved and up‑to‑date.
- 9Transmit the 8879‑EX together with the 1040‑NR.
- 10Save the electronic confirmation receipt.
- 11Store a copy of the signed 8879‑EX for your records.
How to file this form
- 1Prepare the Form 1040‑NR in the e‑file software.
- 2Select the option to generate Form 8879‑EX.
- 3Enter taxpayer name, SSN/ITIN, and tax year.
- 4Input the electronic PIN or create a signature as prompted.
- 5Review the completed 8879‑EX for accuracy.
- 6Submit the 8879‑EX and 1040‑NR together through the software.
- 7Capture the electronic filing acknowledgment.
- 8Archive the acknowledgment and a PDF of the signed 8879‑EX.
Known limitations
- 1The form does not accept handwritten signatures; only electronic PINs are valid.
- 2It cannot be used for paper‑filed returns.
- 3Only IRS‑approved e‑file providers can transmit the form.
- 4The form does not calculate tax; it only authorizes filing.
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.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form 8879‑EX is currently the active version for the 2023 tax year. Verify the edition date on the form before use.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date – ensure the form shows the current tax year (e.g., 2023).
- Fee – no separate fee; cost is part of the e‑file provider’s service.
- Mailing address – not applicable; transmitted electronically.
- Signature method – confirm PIN or electronic signature meets IRS specs.
- Software version – use IRS‑approved e‑file software version.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Save the electronic filing acknowledgment PDF.
- 2Keep a copy of the signed 8879‑EX with your tax records.
- 3Monitor IRS account for acceptance or rejection notices.
- 4If rejected, correct the indicated error and re‑submit promptly.
- 5Track any refund or balance‑due notices linked to the 1040‑NR.
- 6Update your records if you receive a new PIN for future filings.
Sources
- SRCForm 8879‑EX title and purposeIRS official form description
- SRCSignature methodIRS instructions for electronic PIN
- SRCTax year fieldstandard on all IRS signature authorizations
- SRCEligibilitynonresident alien filing 1040‑NR electronically
- SRCSubmission methodIRS e‑file system requirements
- SRCNo feeIRS fee schedule for e‑file authorizations
- SRCDeadline contextgeneral IRS filing deadlines for 1040‑NR
- SRCSoftware requirementIRS list of approved e‑file providers
- SRCNot clearly stated in the provided official sourceexact electronic PIN generation steps
- SRCNot clearly stated in the provided official sourceacceptance receipt format
Common confusion points
Confusion: Using 8879‑EX for a resident return
Why it happens: Similar form numbers
→ Safe check: Verify the taxpayer’s residency status before selecting the form
Confusion: Entering a paper signature
Why it happens: Users accustomed to paper filing
→ Safe check: Ensure the signature field is filled with a PIN or electronic signature only
Confusion: Mistaking the tax year
Why it happens: Forms often carry the prior year’s date
→ Safe check: Look at the top of the form for the correct year
Confusion: Submitting to a physical address
Why it happens: Habit from paper filing
→ Safe check: Confirm transmission is electronic via approved software
Confusion: Using an outdated e‑file software version
Why it happens: Automatic updates missed
→ Safe check: Verify software version matches IRS current release
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- Form 1040‑X (amended return) or contact IRS e‑file support
Source transparency
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