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IRS Form 8878 IRS E-File Signature Authorization for Form 4868 or Form 2350
What Is IRS Form 8878?
IRS Form 8878, IRS E-File Signature Authorization for Form 4868 or Form 2350 , is a formal instrument designed for taxpayers that want to grant an electronic return originator the right to use a unique identification number when filing tax documentation on behalf of the person that hired them.
Alternate Name:
- Tax Form 8878.
You may use the services of an e-file provider who will submit IRS Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, or IRS Form 2350, Application for Extension of Time to File U.S. Income Tax Return, in your name with the help of information included in the authorization.
This authorization was issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in 2023 , rendering previous editions of the instrument obsolete. You can download an IRS Form 8878 fillable version below.
Form 8878 Instructions
Follow these Form 8878 instructions to allow an e-file provider of your choice to file tax paperwork for you:
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Identify yourself by your full name and social security number . If you are married and your plan is to submit a joint tax return, you also have to record the name and social security number of your spouse.
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Check the box to specify which form the tax professional will prepare for you - you need to select one document between IRS Form 4868 and Form 2350. If the latter option applies in your case, you have to specify how long the filing extension will last by adding the date that matches the information on the application and indicate the amount of income tax you are paying via this instrument.
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Carefully read the certification part of the document and agree with all the statements before you certify the papers . You have to enter the name of the electronic return originator and either create your own personal identification number or allow the provider to do it instead. Sign and date the form once you have determined how to manage your electronic signature.
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Obtain the certification from your spouse who must also agree to the electronic application - they write down the name of the provider, enter the five-digit number, and sign and date the paperwork as well.
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Once you are done with the authorization, give it to the tax professional that works for you . They will state their electronic filing identification number, add their signature, and record the actual date upon receiving the documentation. Note that unlike many other similar instruments, this form does not have to be submitted to fiscal authorities - the return originator is obliged to keep a copy of the authorization for at least three years after the tax return deadline or the date when the IRS receives the papers. Upon the request of the taxpayer, the originator must give them a copy for their own records - this document may contain corrections if necessary.
Download IRS Form 8878 IRS E-File Signature Authorization for Form 4868 or Form 2350
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