IRS Notice - Electronically filed Return Missing Original Signature

Forum|Forum|2 months ago
March 21, 2026
2 replies
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Question. Is "tax return is missing original signature" a common error with electronically filed returns?

Background. I received a letter via US Mail from the IRS stating that my 2024 (not a typo) electronically filed return is missing an original signature. The letter instructed me to complete a declaration affirming that the return was mine, which I have done. I am anticipating a refund.

Does anyone in the Community know what constitutes an "original" signature on an electronically filed tax return? I was under the impression that entering my IRS-assigned PIN at the time of filing was sufficient - and necessary - for the return to be accepted. It appears that may not qualify as an "original" signature.

Thanks in advance for any helpful responses.

Not A Product Question

Best answer by MindyB

No, it is not "common" per se, but a missing original signature letter for an e-filed return (typically IRS Letter 12Cor 3531) usually means your digital signature, the PIN or prior-year AGI you entered, failed to properly authenticate or didn't attach to the data packet sent to the IRS. The IRS has your tax data, but without a valid signature, the return is not legally "filed," which stops your refund from being issued.

An original signature in this context means they need you to physically sign a paper declaration (often a provided form or a copy of your 1040) with a pen and mail or fax it back to them. Once they receive this physical confirmation that you are indeed the one who filed the return, they can finish processing your return.

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maglib

Level 11

@B Parker Yes was it FORM 3351? this can happen if you failed the identity check questions required or had a required PIN that was not entered when you switched tax services, bad SSN, missing ITIN, Missing unreported W-2 or 1099, or other Security issues on filers. Many reasons this can happen.

**I don't work for TT. Just trying to help. All the best. . ***Say "Thanks" by marking as BEST ANSWER and clicking the thumb icon in a post and that I solved your question. **Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer" I am NOT an expert and you should confirm with a tax expert.

B

B ParkerAuthor

Level 3

@maglib Thank you for your thoughtful response to my question. I appreciate it that you took the time to address the issue.

Sincerely,

M

maglib

Level 11

A suggestion would be to got to a IRS Tax Assistance Office to get this rectified.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=web&rct=j&url=https://apps.irs.gov/app/office-locator/&ved=2ahUKEwjQ2rC-0rSTAxVymGoFHX44ISQQy_kOegQIARAB&opi=89978449&cd&psig=AOvVaw2qnMik1SkLhy7MPZYibVRM&ust=1774307992899000

Appointments required.

**I don't work for TT. Just trying to help. All the best. . ***Say "Thanks" by marking as BEST ANSWER and clicking the thumb icon in a post and that I solved your question. **Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer" I am NOT an expert and you should confirm with a tax expert.

M

MindyBAnswer

Level 13

No, it is not "common" per se, but a missing original signature letter for an e-filed return (typically IRS Letter 12Cor 3531) usually means your digital signature, the PIN or prior-year AGI you entered, failed to properly authenticate or didn't attach to the data packet sent to the IRS. The IRS has your tax data, but without a valid signature, the return is not legally "filed," which stops your refund from being issued.

An original signature in this context means they need you to physically sign a paper declaration (often a provided form or a copy of your 1040) with a pen and mail or fax it back to them. Once they receive this physical confirmation that you are indeed the one who filed the return, they can finish processing your return.

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B ParkerAuthor

Level 3

Thank you @MindyB for your knowledgeable and timely response to my question. I did receive the 12C letter you reference. As you point out there must have been some glitch with my electronic signature packet.

As noted in my original post, my federal income Tax Return (Form 1040) was filed electronically through TurboTax (TT) on 31 March 2025; received electronic confirmation (via TT) the return was accepted by the IRS on 31 March. I responded promptly to an IRS identity verification request on 20 April 2025, via video call (ID.me); thereafter, IRS website confirmed initial verification was complete. Despite my 20 April identity verification, the return remained in limbo for more than 350 days. The IRS had the return, had verified my identity and was processing it, one has to wonder how something as straightforward as a missing or corrupted original signature packet would take so long to resolve.

I appreciate you making the time to respond to my question.