8879-EX

IRS e-file Signature Authorization for Forms 720, 2290, and 8849

Agency
IRS
Revision
Rev. December 2010
Fillable fields
15
Pages
2
Official source
IRS form page
Checked
October 21, 2026
Fill 8879-EX online
Page 1 of form 8879-EX

Form 8879-EX: IRS e-file Signature Authorization for Forms 720, 2290, and 8849

Form 8879-EX, IRS e-file Signature Authorization for Forms 720, 2290, and 8849, is used when a taxpayer and an electronic return originator (ERO) want to use a personal identification number (PIN) to electronically sign an electronic excise tax return or request for refund. The instructions say it is also used, if applicable, to authorize an electronic funds withdrawal.

The ERO fills in the name and TIN, checks the return type in Part I and completes Part III. The taxpayer verifies the return, chooses who enters the PIN, and signs Part II. The form says "Do not send to the IRS. Keep for your records." The ERO keeps it.

This page has the December 2010 revision. You can fill it out free in your browser on this page and download the result without an account.

What's on Form 8879-EX

Header

The period beginning and ending dates, the name as shown on Forms 720, 2290 or 8849, and the taxpayer identification number.

Part I: Type of Return and Return Information

In whole dollars: line 1 for Form 720 balance due or overpayment, line 2 for Form 2290 balance due, line 3 for the Form 8849 total refund. Only one line is completed.

Part II: Taxpayer Declaration and Signature Authorization

A declaration under penalties of perjury, consent to transmit and, if applicable, to an electronic funds withdrawal, two PIN boxes, and the taxpayer's signature and date.

Part III: Certification and Authentication

The ERO's six-digit EFIN followed by a five-digit self-selected PIN, a certification under Pub. 3112 and Pub. 4163, and the ERO's signature and date.

How Form 8879-EX is completed

  1. 1

    Part I: one return only

    Check the box for the return and enter the amount from it. The form says if the line on the return was blank, leave it blank here, but if -0- was entered on the return, enter -0-.

  2. 2

    Form 8849 schedules

    The form says Schedules 2, 3, 5 and 8 cannot be combined with any other schedules for line 3b, so a separate Form 8879-EX is filed for each.

  3. 3

    Taxpayer chooses the PIN option

    Check one box only. The first authorizes the ERO firm to enter the PIN, including on the Form 2290 Consent to Disclosure. The second is for the Practitioner PIN method.

  4. 4

    Taxpayer signs and returns it

    Sign and date Part II. The instructions say the PIN is five numbers other than all zeros, and list hand delivery, U.S. mail, private delivery service or fax for returning it.

  5. 5

    ERO completes Part III

    Enter the six-digit EFIN and five-digit PIN, then sign and date. The form says it is completed and signed before the return is transmitted.

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Where it goes and how long it is kept

Where it goes

The form says "Do Not Submit This Form to the IRS Unless Requested To Do So." The ERO retains it.

Retention

The instructions say to keep it for 3 years from the return due date or IRS received date, whichever is later.

Timing

The instructions say the return will not be transmitted to the IRS until the ERO receives the signed Form 8879-EX.

Revoking a payment

Part II says to contact the U.S. Treasury Financial Agent at 1-888-353-4537 no later than two business days before the payment (settlement) date.

Changes to the return

The instructions say the ERO gives the taxpayer a corrected copy if the return changes, and a copy of the signed form on request.

Related forms

Who completes Form 8879-EX?

  • Excise tax filers

    The taxpayer filing Form 720, 2290 or 8849 verifies the return type and the prepared return, checks one PIN box, signs and dates Part II, and returns the form to the ERO.

  • Electronic return originators

    The ERO enters the name and TIN as shown on the return, completes Part I, enters the ERO firm name if authorized to enter the PIN, and completes Part III.

  • Taxpayers not using a PIN

    The instructions say a taxpayer who does not use Form 8879-EX to sign uses Form 8453-EX, Excise Tax Declaration for an IRS e-file Return.

  • Not for the IRS

    The form says not to submit it to the IRS unless requested. The ERO retains it.

The form is shared between a taxpayer filing Form 720, 2290 or 8849 electronically and the ERO that transmits it. It is not sent to the IRS unless requested.

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Questions about Form 8879-EX

Do I send Form 8879-EX to the IRS?

No. The form says not to send it to the IRS unless requested. The ERO keeps it.

Which returns does Form 8879-EX cover?

Form 720, Form 2290 and Form 8849. The form says not to complete more than one line in Part I.

Can one Form 8879-EX cover several Form 8849 schedules?

The form says Schedules 2, 3, 5 and 8 cannot be combined with any other schedules, and a separate Form 8879-EX is filed for each schedule.

What if the taxpayer does not use a PIN?

The instructions say a taxpayer who does not use Form 8879-EX to sign uses Form 8453-EX for an IRS e-file return.

How long does the ERO keep the form?

For 3 years from the return due date or IRS received date, whichever is later, the instructions say.