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Form 8879 - Client PIN

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    Form 8879 - Client PIN

    Hi Folks. New here on TTB. Great forum and I'm glad to be part of it. I'm also new to e-filing. I've been involved with "paper returns" since the middle 70s.

    As I prepare myself to e-file returns I'm stumped about what to do on Form 8879.

    1) Do you use the Practitioner PIN method (don't even know what that is) or do you have your software randomly generate a client PIN?

    2) If the 5-digit PIN is automatically generated for the client do I even need to sign this form?

    Not sure what either method is much less the strategy. Any help would be sincerely appreciated.

    #2
    Welcome to the message board

    Originally posted by wiiawiwb View Post
    Hi Folks. New here on TTB. Great forum and I'm glad to be part of it. I'm also new to e-filing. I've been involved with "paper returns" since the middle 70s.

    As I prepare myself to e-file returns I'm stumped about what to do on Form 8879.

    1) Do you use the Practitioner PIN method (don't even know what that is) or do you have your software randomly generate a client PIN?

    2) If the 5-digit PIN is automatically generated for the client do I even need to sign this form?

    Not sure what either method is much less the strategy. Any help would be sincerely appreciated.
    Everyone signs Form 8879 since it is the E-FILE AUTHORIZATION FORM. No signature, no authorization

    Essentially the Electronic PIN (for yourself and your client(s)) is simply an electronic version of the individual pen-and-ink signature.

    You can choose a Practioner PIN for yourself (mine is my H&RBlock employee number). My software puts a 1 in front of the last 4 of the individual's SSN to make the 5-digit PIN for the client (the client has the authority to change this, if desired).
    Just because I look dumb does not mean I am not.

    Comment


      #3
      Yes

      Everything Travis said is right. For Pins I use the last five digits of SSN but let me be clear - neither method at least in my opinion is superior to the other. In fact his might be superior if people find it easier to remember a one and the last four. The point is that if you use pins then your software's file is adequate proof of permission to flie. One other thing I would say is that you want a couple different backups of the data and it would be ideal if one backup was kept somewhere other than the building where your computer is.

      Comment


        #4
        And one very important point. NEVER ASK THE CLIENT TO SELECT A PIN! (Unless it time for your daily meditation and you'll be zoned out for at least twenty minutes.)

        Comment


          #5
          Welcome

          Welcome to the board. You will love this board. These are among the smartest people in the business. They are great too. Never make you feel like you are asking dumb questions. Always very helpful. And very pleasant.

          Since I am a one person operation, I find this board invaluable in my practice. Hope you find it as helpful.

          Linda

          Comment


            #6
            Drake Tax Software generates a PIN number for each client and spouse for me and I MUST sign and keep the 8879 form. That works well.

            Comment


              #7
              Originally posted by Davc View Post
              And one very important point. NEVER ASK THE CLIENT TO SELECT A PIN! (Unless it time for your daily meditation and you'll be zoned out for at least twenty minutes.)
              Good advice!
              http://www.viagrabelgiquefr.com/

              Comment


                #8
                Drake Software

                lets me select my own pin. I would not want it to do otherwise but to each his or her own.

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