What is Form 8879?

Form 8879 is an electronic signature document that is used to authorize e-filing. It is generated by the software using both the taxpayer’s self-selected PIN and the Electronic Return Originator’s (ERO’s) Practitioner PIN. Form 8879 does not need to be mailed to the IRS, but instead is retained by the ERO. Form 8879 instructions direct the ERO to do the following:

"Do not send Form 8879 to the IRS unless requested to do so. Retain the completed Form 8879 for 3 years from the return due date or the date the IRS received the return, whichever is later. Form 8879 may be retained electronically in accordance with the record keeping guidelines in Rev. Proc. 97-22,which is on page 9 of Internal Revenue Bulletin 1997-13 at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-irbs/irb97-13.pdf."

In Drake Tax, Form 8879 is used to authorize e-filing of individual and business returns.

How can I remove or make private my client’s bank account numbers on the 8879?

To change the format of the bank account numbers on Form 8879, complete the following steps:

• Go to Setup > Options > Form & Schedule Options and from the Form 8879 bank account options drop list at the bottom left select the option you need.

How do I get the date to print on the 8879?

Go to Setup > Options > Optional Items on Return tab and make sure you have a check in both Date on return and Print dates for taxpayer and spouse signatures (excludes 1040).

I had the client sign the 8879 with the e-signature pad, but when I view the return I can’t print it. How can I print a copy of the signed form?

A PDF document is created when a form is signed with an e-signature pad. An e-sign PDF is identified in the Drake Documents Type column as a Signed .pdf file.

To print an e-signed form, open Drake Documents from within the return and print the form with the signatures intact.

How do I set up so that Preparer 1 is always the ERO signatory on Form 8879?

In Setup > Preparers, Associate each preparer with a Firm.

For Preparer 1, select the options 8879 PIN Signature and Alternative Electronic Signature. Do not use the Firm # override on screen 1.