After signed Form 8453-FE attached, the signed version doesn't show in the pdf for the E-file

[BobS21]

I've completed the Estate Tax return using "Business" and successfully attached the signed form 8453-FE to the return. At least, TurboTax says I've successfully attached it, as I can view it in the Attachments window. But when I produce the PDF for the E-File only the unsigned version of the form shows up.  I want to be sure the IRS gets the signed version when I e-file!

Thanks

[Anonymous_ · Accepted solution]

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@BobS21 wrote:

......when I produce the PDF for the E-File only the unsigned version of the form shows up.  I want to be sure the IRS gets the signed version when I e-file!

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That is perfectly normal and typical behavior; the form in the Forms List is just the unsigned form.

The signed form is (or should be) saved on your computer as a PDF. I would recommend saving the signed, scanned 8453-FE in the same folder (or on the same media) as your .tax file and the PDF from the 1041 you filed.

[joejoe1592]

I'm seeing the same problem and your reply doesn't make any sense.

How do I know that TT is actually sending the signed version of 8453-FE if it doesn't show that signed version in the PDF records form?

TT made me print out the 8543-FE form, physically sign-it, scan it into my computer, attach it to TT and then TT programmers are too lazy to make it show up in the permanent record?  Sheese.  Talk about a lame company!

[Anonymous_]

The signed and dated form is saved on your computer, 

You simply need to save a copy on some media (e.g., USB flash drive) and/or print it out and save it.

[joejoe1592]

It's not "simple" at all.  And it is quite stoopid of TT to design the process so poorly.

I get a single PDF for my records that include the forms sent to the IRS.  Now, you are telling me that I either need to print out separate pages of whatever was sent to the IRS, remove the unsigned page, replace it with the signed page and then scan the whole mess back into a single file so I have a copy that matches what was sent to the IRS. 

Or I can take the signed form and also use PDF modifying software to attach it to the existing PDF file that represents what was sent to the IRS.

When I pay $120 for a piece of software, I don't expect kludge "solutions" like this!

[Anonymous_]

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@joejoe1592 wrote:

When I pay $120 for a piece of software, I don't expect kludge "solutions" like this!

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I understand.

The design could certainly be better and include the signed form in the list of forms and (one) PDF.

[rmfrog1]

This same situation occurs with Tax Year 2021. This NEEDS TO BE FIXED!!    How am I to tell if the SIGNED 8453 was included in the file transmitted to the IRS when the file saved in the PDF is unsigned??

[Anonymous_]

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@rmfrog1 wrote:

How am I to tell if the SIGNED 8453 was included in the file transmitted to the IRS when the file saved in the PDF is unsigned??

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You can save the PDF on your computer (or other media as a separate file) but how can you tell if you e-filed anything other than the confirmation e-mail from Intuit?

There is no electronic postmark as there is in the TurboTax individual income tax preparation products.

[lanstrah]

why doesnt signed copy show

[Anonymous_]

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@lanstrah wrote:

why doesnt signed copy show

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You save the signed copy of the 8453-FE on your computer (after you have signed it and scanned it in).

[Critter-3]

Ok ... the signed PDF copy is attached to the efiled return but it is NOT added to the PDF of the return in the program file...  it is not integrated in the program PDF files.     It is just that simple ... the only copy in the program PDF will remain unsigned so simply keep the paper copy you signed and uploaded with the paper copy  of the return you may have printed out of the program. 

[stuckinnova]

This problem still exists. TT Tech Support says that the 1041 File Package contains the signed Form 8453-FE (the same as shown in file saved in the 'Attachment' under the Tools Pulldown Menu). It is concerning that the 1041 Package available to the user for downloading after the return has been filed with the IRS doesn't show the signed Form 8453-FE but only the unsigned version. Certainly what is available to the user to save for his records is not the same as filed with the IRS, as advertised.  I guess that the user will be contacted by the IRS if the actually submitted version of the Form 8453-FE is unsigned, there is an amount due with the return, and the IRS can't get easily collect the money due. We shall see! A nit is that the user instructions are to check that the uploaded signed Form 8453-FE is verified via the 'Attachments' selection in the "Upper Right" portion of the menu bar. Of course, the 'Attachments' selection is buried under the 'Tools' pulldown menu.

[MarilynG1]

You really don't need to send the IRS a signed Form 8453, unless some other documents are required to be sent in with it (per the boxes checked on the form).

Here's more info on Form 8453.

@stuckinnova 

[stuckinnova]

Marilyn,

IF Form 8453-FE is not required, except under the conditions you have referenced, then why is there not  an option on the TT Business & Trust Program to bypass including that form. Currently, the user must go thru an extended process to create a signed Form 8453-FE (using external resources) and upload it to the TT program so that it can be included in the Fiduciary version of the electronically submitted 1041 package to the IRS.

Thanks, Don

[MarilynG1]

Yes, you are correct.  A signed Form 8453 is required in a Fiduciary return, Form 1041.

This form is very different than the 8453 that a normal taxpayer uses on a Form 1040 return. 

Here's more on Form 8453-FE.

@stuckinnova