EEasy Filing Hub

Tax & ID

IRS e-File Signature Authorization (Form 8879)

Authorize electronic filing of your tax return.

We'll guide you through it, step by step

  • ✓Simple questions in plain language — no legal jargon
  • ✓We fill in the official form and check for common mistakes
  • ✓Private — no document uploads

Free to start • No credit card • Official form

Not sure this is the right form? Take the free eligibility check

Estimated fee

No government fee

View official fee calculator ↗

Typical timeline

Same day (signed before filing)

Category

Tax & ID

Who qualifies

Taxpayers filing Form 1040 series returns through an authorized Electronic Return Originator (ERO) using a self-selected PIN.

The step-by-step roadmap

  1. 1

    Review Return Summary

    Examine your completed Form 1040 figures shown on Form 8879, including adjusted gross income and refund or balance due.

    Watch out: Never sign a blank or incomplete authorization form.
    Common rejection reason: Mismatched dollar amounts between Form 8879 and the actual Form 1040.
  2. 2

    Select a PIN

    Choose any five numbers (except all zeros) to serve as your electronic signature PIN.

    Watch out: Do not confuse your 5-digit self-select PIN with an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN).
    Common rejection reason: Entering an invalid PIN format or duplicate digits where prohibited.
  3. 3

    Sign and Date

    Sign and date the form electronically or on paper. Both spouses must sign if filing jointly.

    Watch out: Missing spouse signature will halt electronic transmission.
    Common rejection reason: Failing to sign before your preparer transmits the tax return.
  4. 4

    Return to Preparer

    Send the signed Form 8879 back to your tax preparer so they can electronically submit your return to the IRS.

    Watch out: Do not mail Form 8879 to the IRS; your preparer must retain it.
    Common rejection reason: Preparer transmission delays caused by unreceived signature forms.

Documents you'll need

  • Completed Draft of Form 1040

    Your prepared federal tax return used to verify line items on Form 8879.

    Note: Verify your Adjusted Gross Income matches exactly.

  • Government-Issued Photo ID

    Driver's license, state ID, or passport used by your preparer to verify your identity.

    Note: Required under IRS identity verification standards.

  • Prior-Year Tax Return

    Copy of the previous year's tax return to verify prior-year adjusted gross income.

Ready to start?

Run the free eligibility check first, then get your personalized roadmap and document checklist.

Check my eligibility

Fees and timelines are as published by the relevant agency and may change — verify before filing. This guide is general information, not legal advice.