Signing 1120 returns for electronic filing

You can sign an electronic return by using either the Practitioner Personal Identification Number (PIN) or the Scanned Form 8453 option.

Extension notes

  • Electronic signatures for electronically filed extensions are required only if you are using electronic funds withdrawal (EFW) to pay a balance due on the extension.
  • When you complete the following steps, Onvio Tax generates Form 8878-A, which the taxpayer must sign and return to the Electronic Return Originator (ERO) before transmitting the electronic file. The ERO retains this form, unless the IRS requests the form.

To use the Practitioner PIN option, follow these steps.

  1. Complete the Signature date field in Screen ELF in the Electronic Filing folder with the date on which the officer of the corporation will sign Form 8879-C, 8879-S, or 8879-I.
  2. Enter the last five numbers of your Electronic Return Originator (ERO) PIN in the ERO PIN field. The first six digits are your IRS-supplied Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) and the last five digits consist of the self-selected numbers entered in Screen ELF. You may choose any five digits other than 00000.
  3. Have the client complete the Taxpayer PIN field, which is a self-selected set of five numbers other than 00000.

Notes

  • As the ERO, you can enter this PIN if you have the taxpayer's written signature on the Form 8879-C, 8879-S, or 8879-I, IRS e-file Signature Authorization, which will print with the return if you elect to use the PIN. Keep this form with your records, and do not mail the form to the IRS unless requested to do so.
  • The PIN does not proforma from year to year because it is the equivalent of an electronic "signature." This is in accordance with the IRS procedural steps that participating PIN program practitioners must follow.

To use the Scanned Form 8453 option, follow these steps.

  1. Once the return is completed, print a copy of Form 8453-C, U.S. Corporation Income Tax Declaration for an IRS e-file Return; Form 8453-S, U.S. S Corporation Income Tax Declaration for an IRS e-file Return; or Form 8453-I, Foreign Corporation Income Tax Deduction for an IRS e-file Return.
  2. Sign the form as the ERO and have an authorized officer of the corporation sign the form.
  3. Do one of the following:
    • Create a PDF file of the signed form and save the file to the desired location on your hard drive.
  4. In the Attachment title field, select 8453 Signature Document from the drop-down list.
  5. In the Product field, select Federal from the drop-down list.
  6. In the Return field, select Tax Return from the drop-down list.

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