What is form 8879?

[Coleen3]

Form 8879 is an electronic signature document that is used to authorize e-filing. It is generated by the software using both the taxpayer's self-selected PIN and the Electronic Return Originator's (ERO's) Practitioner PIN. 

Purpose of Form Form 8879 is the declaration document and signature authorization for an e-filed return filed by an electronic return originator (ERO). Complete Form 8879 when the Practitioner PIN method is used or when the taxpayer authorizes the ERO to enter or generate the taxpayer’s personal identification number (PIN) on his  on his or her e-filed individual income tax return.

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8879.pdf

[Leey2121]

How do I use this phone on turbo taxes

[DMarkM1]

Here is a link for Mobile Apps for TurboTax.  You can download from the Apple Store or Google Play as appropriate.   

[hentaxx]

Hello,

Does one need to know the 5 digit self-select pin from the prior year's form 8879C to successfully efile the current year 1120?

What do you do if you can't remember the old 5 digit pin you entered? Can you select a new 5 digit pin or will the return be rejected? If it's rejected without the correct last year's pin, what is the solution?

Thank you.

[MarilynG1]

@hentaxx You can use your PIN from last year, or you can create a new PIN for this year.

You will need to enter your AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) from last year if you create a new PIN.

Click this link for more info on the Self-Select PIN.

[hentaxx]

Hi Marilyn,

For a form 1120 would I still need the AGI if entering a new pin? The online documentation says that the AGI is only for a form 1040.

Is there a different form of identification required for a form 1120 if entering a new pin this year?

Thank you.

[DianeW777]

No, there is not an entry or line on Form 1120-S for "adjusted gross income".  This is for individual returns only (1040) as you noted. 

The pin is used as your electronic signature when completing the Form 8879-S for e-file.  There doesn't seem to be an indication you must use the same pin that was used on a prior year return. You can select any five digits for the new year, then keep that available in your file should you need it before the return is fully processed and on the chance the IRS would change guidelines for the next year.

• Indicate or verify his or her PIN when authorizing the ERO to enter it (the PIN must be five digits other than all zeros); 
• Instructions for Form 8879-S

[HJflower-1]

Form 8879 does not appear to be in the turbotax premier program.  How do I verify my signature?

[DoninGA]

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@HJflower-1 wrote:

Form 8879 does not appear to be in the turbotax premier program.  How do I verify my signature?

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A Form 8879 is used by a paid tax preparer who is the ERO - https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8879.pdf

The TurboTax program you used is for self-prepared returns and does not require a Form 8879.

[HJflower-1]

How do I enter the five-digit number on Form 1040?  There is no place for it anywhere.

[DoninGA]

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@HJflower-1 wrote:

How do I enter the five-digit number on Form 1040?  There is no place for it anywhere.

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The 5 digit self-selected PIN is only used for e-filing the tax return.  It is not entered on the Form 1040.

Only the 6 digit Identity Protection PIN issued to you by the IRS after reporting an identity theft is entered on the Form 1040.