Tax forms

Form 8879

Form 8879, IRS e-file Signature Authorization, is the form an individual taxpayer signs to authorize an electronic return originator to file the Form 1040 electronically. The preparer keeps the signed form.

Reviewed November 3, 2026

Why it matters

An e-filed individual return needs the signed authorization. A signature inside a checklist or a portal is not a substitute for the IRS e-file authorization.

Example

A client reviews the return and signs Form 8879, and the preparer e-files the return and keeps the signed authorization.

Related terms

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Sources

Checked November 3, 2026. Public pages and tax rules change; confirm them before relying on them.

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