Use a Practitioner PIN to sign an e-file return
Follow these steps to sign an e-file return with a Practitioner personal identification number (PIN).
note
- Electronic signatures for extensions filed electronically are necessary only when using electronic funds withdrawal (EFW) to pay a balance due on the extension.
- When you complete the following steps, UltraTax CS generates Form 8878-A. The taxpayer needs to sign Form 8878-A and return it to the electronic return originator (ERO) before transmitting the electronic file. The ERO keeps this form, unless the IRS asks for it.
- Go to the ELF screen in the Electronic Filing folder.
- Enter the date when the officer of the corporation will sign Form 8879-CORP in theSignature datefield.noteThis field is mandatory if you use a Practitioner PIN to sign the return electronically. If you selectUse current datein theWhen Form 8879 (etc.) signature date(s) are not enteredfield inSetup,Office Configuration, thePrint Optionstab, you don't need to complete theSignature datefield. UltraTax CS prints the current date on Form 8879 and includes the form in the electronic file.
- Enter the last 5 numbers of your ERO PIN in theERO PINfield.
- Have the client complete theTaxpayer PINfield with a set of 5 numbers other than 00000.note
- As the ERO, you can enter this PIN if you have the taxpayer's written signature on Form 8879-CORP, E-file Authorization for Corporations. This form will print with the return if you use the PIN. Keep Form 8879-CORP with your records. Don't mail the form to the IRS unless asks for it.
- The PIN doesn't proforma from year to year because it's the equivalent of an electronic signature. This is in accordance with the IRS procedural steps that participating PIN program practitioners need to follow.
