Form 8879, IRS e-file Signature Authorization Instructions

Enter the electronic return originator's (ERO) EFIN immediately followed by the practitioner's self-selected PIN used as the signature for the tax return. Fill only if 'I authorize ERO to enter or generate my PIN', 'I authorize ERO to enter or generate my PIN' is 'Yes' any.

Check this box if the spouse authorizes the Electronic Return Originator (ERO) or ERO firm to enter or generate the spouse's five-digit PIN to serve as the spouse's signature on the income tax return (original or amended).

Enter the name of the ERO (electronic return originator) firm you authorize to enter or generate your spouse's PIN for the income tax return. Fill only if 'I authorize ERO to enter or generate my PIN' is 'Yes'.

Enter your spouse's five-digit PIN used as their signature on the income tax return (do not enter all zeros). Fill only if 'I authorize ERO to enter or generate my PIN' is 'Yes'.

Check this box if the spouse will personally enter their own five-digit PIN as their signature on the income tax return and the return will be filed using the Practitioner PIN method. Fill only if 'I authorize ERO to enter or generate my PIN' is 'No'.

Enter the Submission Identification Number (SID) assigned to the e-file transmission — the unique identifier from your tax software or IRS e-file system for this submission.

The tax year ending December 31 that you are authorizing on this form.

The adjusted gross income amount reported on the taxpayer's income tax return for the year being authorized.

The total tax amount shown on the taxpayer's income tax return for the year being authorized.

The total federal income tax withheld reported on Form(s) W-2 and Form(s) 1099 for the year being authorized.

The refund amount from the taxpayer's income tax return that the taxpayer wants refunded for the year being authorized.

The amount the taxpayer owes on the income tax return for the year being authorized.

Enter the taxpayer's full legal name exactly as shown on their Social Security card (first name, middle initial if used, and last name).

Enter the taxpayer's nine-digit Social Security number in the standard format (XXX-XX-XXXX).

Enter the spouse's full legal name exactly as shown on their Social Security card (first name, middle initial if used, and last name).

Enter the spouse's nine-digit Social Security number in the standard format (XXX-XX-XXXX).

Check this box if you authorize the ERO (Electronic Return Originator) to enter or generate a five-digit PIN to be used as your signature on the income tax return.

Enter the electronic return originator (ERO) or firm name that is authorizing or will enter/generate the taxpayer PIN exactly as it should appear on the return. Fill only if 'I authorize ERO to enter or generate my PIN' is 'Yes'.

Enter the taxpayer's five-digit PIN used as the taxpayer signature on the return (do not enter all zeros). Fill only if 'I authorize ERO to enter or generate my PIN' is 'Yes'.

Check this box only if you will personally enter your own five-digit PIN as your signature on the income tax return and your return is being filed using the Practitioner PIN method. Fill only if 'I authorize ERO to enter or generate my PIN' is 'No'.