QBI deduction for residential rental real estate

[garycarols]

I have a Sch E for a rental home, with about $3000 in net income.  This income generated a $600+ QBI.  When I print out my return, the last page is titled, "Rental Real Estate Enterprise Statement."  It has a statement that says, "By signing this return, we affirm . . . . " a set of statements that are true in our case.  At the bottom is a "Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have . . . and such facts are true, correct, and complete."  (which they are)

My question:  There are lines at the bottom of this form for signature(s) and date.  DOES THIS HAVE TO BE PHYSICALLY SIGNED?  OR IS SIGNING OUR E-FILED RETURN ADEQUATE?  If it has to be physically signed, does it have to be snail-mailed?  And if so, with or without our e-filed return?  

Thank you SO much for your help!  

[JosephS1 · Accepted solution]

No, you do not have to physically sign and mail.  By filing the return electronically with all the affirmation that is requested, you are affirming the information is true, correct, and complete.  

The printout for the return, should you print it out, will show "self-prepared" in the signature area but that is not precluding the disclosures and affirmations you are making to the IRS.

Below is an extract from Form 8879 regarding the Declaration and Signature Authorization that is part of the electronically filed return:

Form 8879

E-Signature per IRS

@garycarols