Complete Forms 8879 and 8878

Form 8879, IRS e-file Signature Authorization, authorizes the ERO to generate a PIN as the electronic signature for an e-filed individual return. Form 8878, IRS e-file Signature Authorization for Form 4868 or Form 2350, authorizes the ERO to generate a PIN as the electronic signature for an e-filed individual extension.
Form 8879: Individual returns
If the ERO is...
Then...
Using the Practitioner PIN method and authorized to enter the taxpayer's PIN
Complete Form 8879, Parts I, II, and III
Using the Practitioner PIN method and the taxpayer enters their own PIN
Complete Form 8879, Parts I, II, and III
Not using the Practitioner PIN method and authorized to enter the taxpayer's PIN
Complete Form 8879, Parts I and II
Not using the Practitioner PIN method and the taxpayer enters their own PIN
Don't complete Form 8879
Form 8878: Individual extensions
If e-filing...
Then...
  • Form 4868, and
  • Authorizing an electronic funds withdrawal, and
  • The taxpayer is entering their own PIN, and
  • The ERO isn't using the Practitioner PIN method
Don't complete Form 8878
  • Form 4868, and
  • The taxpayer isn't authorizing an electronic funds withdrawal
Don't complete Form 8878
  • Form 4868, and
  • Authorizing an electronic funds withdrawal, and
  • The ERO is using the Practitioner PIN method
Complete Form 8878, Parts I, II, and III
  • Form 4868, and
  • Authorizing an electronic funds withdrawal, and
  • Authorizing the ERO to enter or generate the taxpayer's PIN, and
  • The ERO isn't using the Practitioner PIN method
Complete Form 8878, Parts I and II
  • Form 2350
Complete Form 8878, Parts I and II, only if the taxpayers authorize the ERO to enter or generate the taxpayer's PIN

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