Header
The calendar year or tax year dates, the name on Form 7004 and the identifying number.
8878-A
IRS e-file Electronic Funds Withdrawal Authorization for Form 7004
- Agency
- IRS
- Revision
- Rev. December 2008
- Fillable fields
- 17
- Pages
- 2
- Official source
- IRS form page
- Checked
- October 21, 2026
Form 8878-A: IRS e-file Electronic Funds Withdrawal Authorization for Form 7004
Form 8878-A is the IRS e-file Electronic Funds Withdrawal Authorization for Form 7004. The IRS About page says a person authorized to sign an electronic funds withdrawal authorization and an electronic return originator (ERO) use it to use a personal identification number (PIN) to authorize an electronic funds withdrawal of the balance due on an electronic Form 7004.
The form is completed by the ERO and the authorized person, not filed by an individual. The instructions caution that Form 8878-A is not an application for an extension of time to file; the extension itself is Form 7004, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File Certain Business Income Tax, Information, and Other Returns. The form says "Do not send to the IRS. Keep for your records." The ERO keeps it.
The PDF can be filled out free in the browser on this page and downloaded without an account.
What's on Form 8878-A
Part I: information from Form 7004
In whole dollars: tentative total tax (Form 7004, line 6), total payments and credits (line 7) and balance due (line 8).
Part II: declaration
The authorized person's declaration under penalties of perjury, consent to transmission and authorization of the electronic funds withdrawal (direct debit).
Part II: PIN choice and signature
Two boxes, check one: authorize the ERO firm to enter the PIN, or enter the PIN in person. Then the authorized person's signature, date and title.
Part III: certification and authentication
The ERO's six-digit EFIN followed by a five-digit self-selected PIN, the ERO's certification, signature and date.
How to fill out Form 8878-A
- 1
ERO: header and Part I
Enter the taxpayer's name and identifying number at the top, then complete Part I from the taxpayer's Form 7004. The instructions say zeros may be entered when appropriate.
- 2
ERO: firm name in Part II
If the ERO is authorized to enter the PIN, the instructions say to enter the ERO firm name on the authorization line, not the name of the individual preparing the return.
- 3
Authorized person: PIN and signature
Check one PIN box, indicate or verify the PIN (five numbers other than all zeros), then sign, date and enter a title in Part II.
- 4
Return it to the ERO
The instructions say the authorized person returns the completed form to the ERO by hand delivery, U.S. mail, private delivery service, or fax.
- 5
ERO: Part III
Enter the six-digit EFIN followed by the five-digit self-selected PIN, then sign and date. The instructions say Form 7004 with the withdrawal is not transmitted until the ERO receives the signed form.
Why fill Form 8878-A on indox
You get the real form, filled in a browser tab, with nothing standing between you and the finished PDF.
- Fill the form right in your browser, no software to install
- Free to fill and free to download, with no account
- The official blank straight from the IRS, not a copy someone retyped
- Works on a phone, tablet or computer
Who keeps it, how long and payment changes
Where it goes
The form says not to send it to the IRS unless requested to do so. The ERO retains Form 8878-A.
How long to keep it
The instructions say to retain the completed form for 3 years from the return due date or IRS received date, whichever is later. It can be kept electronically under Rev. Proc. 97-22.
Timing of transmission
The instructions say the ERO receives the completed and signed form before an electronic Form 7004 with an electronic funds withdrawal authorization is transmitted or released for transmission.
Revoking a payment
The declaration says to contact the U.S. Treasury Financial Agent at 1-888-353-4537 no later than 2 business days prior to the payment (settlement) date.
Copies and corrections
The instructions say the ERO gives the authorized person a copy of the signed form on request, and a corrected copy if Form 7004 changes.
Related forms
7004
Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File Certain Business Income Tax, Information, and Other Returns
26 fields, 1 page
8878
IRS e-file Signature Authorization for Form 4868 or Form 2350
19 fields, 2 pages
4868
Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
17 fields, 4 pages
2350
Application for Extension of Time To File U.S. Income Tax Return
26 fields, 4 pages
8879-CORP
E-File Authorization for Corporations
19 fields, 2 pages
8879-PE
E-file Authorization for Form 1065
18 fields, 2 pages
Who completes Form 8878-A?
Two people complete the form: the ERO and the person authorized by the taxpayer. The ERO keeps the signed form.
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Questions about Form 8878-A
Is Form 8878-A an extension request?
No. The instructions say Form 8878-A is not an application for an extension of time to file. The extension is requested on Form 7004.
Is Form 8878-A sent to the IRS?
No. The form says not to submit it to the IRS unless requested to do so. The ERO keeps it for 3 years from the return due date or IRS received date, whichever is later.
Who signs Form 8878-A?
The person authorized by the taxpayer signs Part II, and the ERO signs Part III with the EFIN and PIN.
What PIN can the authorized person use?
The instructions say the PIN must be five numbers other than all zeros.
How is the withdrawal revoked?
The declaration says to contact the U.S. Treasury Financial Agent at 1-888-353-4537 no later than 2 business days prior to the payment (settlement) date.
Which Form 7004 amounts go in Part I?
Line 1 is the tentative total tax from Form 7004, line 6, line 2 is total payments and credits from line 7, and line 3 is the balance due from line 8, in whole dollars.