This is a step-by-step tutorial on how to complete IRS forms 8879. Find all you need to submit the correctly filled form. The detailed tutorial is here: https://pdf.co/blog/how-to-complete-irs-form-8879

1. How to Complete
IRS Form 8879

2. Many people shy away from paying taxes. Firstly, most people would not want to pay taxes if
they had that option and secondly, the legal terms and jargon make many people
uncomfortable since it is uncharted territory in our regular lives.
However, clarity and knowledge can help you to know how exactly to fulfill your tax obligations
and this article coherently answers how to complete the IRS Form 8879.

3. What is IRS Form 8879?
The IRS Form 8879 is an electronic declaration document with signed authorization for e-filing. It is
generated by software that utilizes the taxpayer’s self-selected PIN and returns filed by an
electronic return originator (ERO). Form 8879 is kept by the electronic return originator (ERO) and
it is not required to be sent to the IRS unless it is requested.
In conforming with guidelines, IRS Form 8879 might be retained within records. It is advised to
retain the completed Form 8879 for 3 years from the return due date or from the date the IRS
obtains the return. Also, Form 8879 is used to authorize the e-filing of individual and business
returns in Drake Tax.
Download the official Form 8879 on the IRS website.

4. Who needs to complete IRS
Form 8879?
Typically, business taxpayers are supposed to complete the IRS Form 8879. However, due to
legality and the accounting procedures, an electronic return originator or ERO aids their clients
through the tax process.
The electronic return originator is usually an individual, either a certified public accountant, tax
preparer, or tax accountant, who is authorized by the United States Internal Revenue Service to
develop and convey tax returns for people and companies electronically.

5. What is IRS Form 8879 Used
For?
Form 8879 is the declaration document and signature authorization for an e-filed return filed
by an electronic return originator. This infers that if your Form 8879 has not been completed,
your tax preparer can not file your return and therefore it will not be possible for you to earn
tax returns. The form can also serve the purposes of verifying that your tax documents are
updated in the chance of an audit.

6. How to complete IRS Form
8879
The beginning of the form requires the following to be filled Submission Identification Number (SID).
Taxpayer’s name and Social Security number, as well as Spouse’s name and Spouse’s social security
number if married.
The form is further divided into 3 different parts, namely Part I, Part II, and Part III. Part I is about Tax
Return Information and includes filling the adjusted gross income, the total tax, federal income tax,
refund, and amount owed.
The Taxpayer Declaration and Signature Authorization are found in Part II. This part has a lot of
information and requires the Taxpayer’s Pin, signature, refund, ERO firm name, and signature.
Finally, Part III is for Certification and Authentication which requires the Practitioner Pin Method only. At
the stage, it confirmed the pin and signature belong to the taxpayer and that the return is in accordance
with the requirements of the Practitioner PIN method and Handbook for Authorized IRS e-file Providers
of Individual Income Tax Returns. It is beneficial to ensure all these parts of the form are completed.

7. Responsibilities for the
Taxpayer
 The taxpayer has to confirm the accuracy of the prepared income tax return,
including direct deposit information.
 The taxpayer has to check the appropriate box in Part II to authorize the ERO to
enter or generate your PIN or to do it yourself.
 The taxpayer should indicate the PIN when authorizing the ERO to enter or generate
it. Note that the PIN must be five digits other than all zeros.
 Taxpayers must sign Form 8879 by handwritten signature, or electronic signature if
supported by computer software and make sure they date it.
 Taxpayers must return the completed Form 8879 to the ERO by hand delivery, U.S.
mail, private delivery service, email, Internet website, or fax. Note that your return
would not be transmitted to the IRS until the ERO receives the signed Form 8879.

8. When is the IRS Form 8879
completed?
The IRS Form 8879 is completed when certain criteria are followed and all the responsibilities of
the taxpayer and the electronic return originator are met. One of these is when the Practitioner
PIN method is used. In addition, the taxpayer must authorize the electronic return originator (ERO)
to enter or generate the taxpayer’s personal identification number (PIN) on his or her e-filed
individual income tax return.

9. Responsibilities for the electronic
return originator
 Fill in the name and social security number of the taxpayers at the beginning of the form.
 Finish Part I using the amounts from the taxpayer’s tax return. Form 1040-SS filers leave lines 1
through 3 and line 5 blank.
 Fill in, if authorized by the taxpayer, the taxpayer’s PIN, and enter it in the boxes provided in
Part II.
 Fill in on the authorization line in Part II the ERO firm name if the ERO is authorized to enter the
taxpayer’s PIN. Note that this is not the name of the individual preparing the return
 After completing preceding responsibilities, the taxpayer Form 8879 is given for completion and
review. The acceptable delivery methods include hand delivery, U.S. mail, private delivery
service, email, Internet website, and fax.
 Fill in the 20-digit Submission Identification Number (SID) assigned to the tax return, or
associate Form 9325, Acknowledgement, and General Information for Taxpayers Who File
Returns Electronically, with Form 8879 after filing. If Form 9325 is used to provide the SID, it is
NOT required to be physically attached to Form 8879.

10. Responsibilities for the electronic
return originator
In filing returns for their clients, tax preparers, or tax accountants typically use the practitioner PIN
method above, which enables the ERO to enter a personal identification number (PIN) or generate a PIN
for the taxpayer.
As discussed a completed Form 8879 contains a dated and signed taxpayer declaration affirming that
he or she has reviewed the tax return and has ensured the information given is verifiable. This
declaration and signature authorization on Form 8879 is what gives the ERO permission to
electronically submit the return.
It is always beneficial to start tax processes early since tax preparers or tax accountants have very
anxious clients who will be concerned about their tax returns deadlines. It may also be a good idea to
request that the tax accountant send the Form 8879 electronically so that it can be signed and the
return submitted expeditiously.
Some clients chose to present their tax information via email, fax, or a secure client portal.
Interestingly, some EROs have novel software that simplifies the filing of IRS 8879 forms. Note that an
ERO must guarantee that the stockpiling of returns does not transpire at its offices.

11. When do I Send IRS Form
8879?
The document should only be sent when it is requested. After filling out the parts of the form,
it should be kept for a minimum of 3 years in case there is a need to confirm your e-
signature. Also, if the document is in print, that should be kept too. EROs also store a
confirmation document.

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