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IRSCredits & Incentives (8800/8900 Series)

Official form guide

Form 8879-PE: 8879-PE

Form 8879‑PE is the IRS e‑file Signature Authorization for partnership returns. It is used when a partnership files Form 1065 electronically and needs to provide a signed declaration that the return is true, correct, and complete.

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Form Overview

IRS Form 8879-PE - 8879-PE

Form 8879‑PE is the IRS e‑file Signature Authorization for partnership returns. It is used when a partnership files Form 1065 electronically and needs to provide a signed declaration that the return is true, correct, and complete.

It records the partnership’s name, EIN, tax year, and the signatures (or PINs) of the authorized person(s).

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A single missing signature can cause the entire partnership return to be rejected.
  • 2Unsigned or incomplete signature block
  • 3Wrong EIN or tax year on the form
  • 4Using an outdated edition of the form
  • 5Failing to attach the signed page before transmission

Plain English

Think of Form 8879‑PE as the digital signature page for a partnership’s tax return. The partners (or an authorized officer) sign it to tell the IRS the e‑filed Form 1065 is accurate. No tax calculations are done on this form; it just captures the signatures.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: 2026-01-08 14:10:46
  • 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

partnershipperson

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use when filing Form 1065 electronically and a signature is required.
  • Do not use for paper‑filed Form 1065; a different signature page is needed.
  • If the partnership has no authorized e‑file provider, check Form 8879 (individual) or Form 8879‑C for corporations.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Paper‑filed partnership return

No separate 8879‑PE needed

✓ Verify paper filing requirements

Form 1065 with attached signature page

Corporate e‑file return

For C‑corporations filing Form 1120

✓ Use corporate form instead of 8879‑PE

Form 8879‑C

S‑Corporation e‑file return

For Form 1120‑S filings

✓ Different signature page required

Form 8879‑S

Deadline or filing window

The signature authorization must{ be completed before the e‑file transmission deadline, which is the due date of the partnership return (generally March 15 for calendar‑year partnerships, with extensions to September 15). If the return is filed after the deadline, the same rule applies: the signature page must accompany the late e‑file submission.

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Partnership name

Partnership agreement or IRS notice · Form 1065 header

⚠ Misspelled name causes rejection✕ High
2

EIN

IRS EIN confirmation letter · Form 1065 top line

⚠ Transposed digits lead to mismatch✕ Medium
3

Tax year

Tax return cover page · Form 1065

⚠ Incorrect year invalidates filing✕ High
4

Signature block

Original signed page or PIN record · Form 8879‑PE

⚠ Blank or partial signature rejected✕ High

Before you submit

  1. 1Verify edition date matches current tax year
  2. 2Confirm partnership name and EIN exactly match Form 1065
  3. 3Check tax year on the form aligns with the return
  4. 4Ensure all required signatures (or PINs) are present
  5. 5Review that the signatory is authorized per partnership agreement
  6. 6Scan/attach the signed page in the correct file format (PDF, 300 dpi)
  7. 7Confirm the e‑file software attached the signed page before transmission
  8. 8Save a copy of the signed 8879‑PE for your records

How to file this form

  1. 1Prepare Form 1065 in the e‑file software.
  2. 2Generate Form 8879‑PE from the software; it will auto‑fill name, EIN, and tax year.
  3. 3Print the generated 8879‑PE and have the authorized signatory sign and date (or enter PINs).
  4. 4Scan the signed page and upload it back into the software.
  5. 5Attach the uploaded page to the electronic return package.
  6. 6Submit the package through the IRS e‑file system.
  7. 7Receive the electronic acknowledgment (EFIN) confirming acceptance.

Known limitations

  1. 1The form does not contain any tax calculations; errors in the underlying Form 1065 are not caught here.
  2. 2Only electronic signatures via PIN are accepted if the software supports it; handwritten signatures must be scanned.
  3. 3IRS may reject the return for reasons unrelated to the signature page, requiring separate correction.

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‑PE must match the version released for the tax year being filed. Verify the edition date on the PDF against the IRS website before use.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – confirm it matches the current tax year
  • Fee – no filing fee for the signature authorization itself
  • Mailing address – not applicable for electronic submission
  • Signature method – check if PIN entry is allowed by your software
  • Software version – ensure it supports the latest 8879‑PE layout

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Form 8879-PE page 1

Page 1

Form 8879-PE page 2

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Quick Facts

The partnership’s authorized signatory(s) – typically a general partner or managing member – must sign.
It records the partnership’s name, EIN, tax year, and the signatures (or PINs) of the authorized person(s).
It is completed after the partnership’s Form 1065 is prepared and before the e‑file transmission is finalized, usually within the same filing window as the return.
The form is submitted electronically through the IRS e‑file system by the authorized e‑file provider. No paper mailing is required unless the provider requests a hard copy.
Missing or incorrect signatures invalidate the electronic filing, causing the IRS to reject the return and delay processing.
1. Prepare the partnership’s Form 1065 and run the e‑file software. 2. The software generates Form 8879‑PE with pre‑filled partnership info. 3. Print, sign, and date the form (or enter PINs if allowed). 4. Scan or upload the signed page back into the e‑file system. 5. The software attaches the signed form to the electronic return and sends it to the IRS.

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After you file

  1. 1Save the final PDF of the signed Form 8879‑PE with the e‑file acknowledgment.
  2. 2Record the acceptance date and EFIN confirmation number.
  3. 3Store the document with the partnership’s tax records for at least three years.
  4. 4If the IRS sends a rejection notice, locate the signature page to verify completeness before resubmission.
  5. 5Notify all partners that the return has been filed and provide a copy of the acknowledgment.

Sources

  • SRCIRS Form 8879‑PE instructionsconfirms purpose and signature requirements
  • SRCIRS e‑file guidelinesoutlines electronic submission process
  • SRCPartnership tax filing deadlinesMarch 15 (or extended to September 15)
  • SRCIRS websiteedition date location on PDF
  • SRCIRS Publication 541partnership filing basics (used for context)
  • SRCNot clearly stated in the provided official sourcefee information (no fee applies)
  • SRCNot clearly stated in the provided official sourceexact software compatibility details

Common confusion points

Signature vs. PIN entry

Some software lets you enter a PIN instead of a handwritten signature

→ Verify software settings before printing

Paper vs. electronic filing

Users think 8879‑PE is needed for paper returns

→ Use the standard signature page for paper filings

Edition date

New PDF releases each year

→ Check the top of the form for the correct date

Authorized signatory

Partners assume any partner can sign

→ Confirm authority in the partnership agreement

EIN mismatch

Typo in EIN on 8879‑PE

→ Cross‑check with the EIN on Form 1065

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

4 signals

Before

Form 1065 (U.S. Return of Partnership Income)

Current

8879-PE

After

IRS acknowledgment of electronic filing (Form 1040‑X may be needed for amendments)

Often used with

IRS e‑file software (e.g., e‑File Provider’s portal)

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • Form 8879‑PE rejection notice – review signature block and resend

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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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