8879 Signage

[Snaggletooth]

John Q Public comes to your office to have his taxes prepared. His wife Mary is a [registered nurse, factory worker, LPN] and is working 2nd shift.

They have a $3500 refund. Mary is not there to sign the 8879. What are we supposed to do?

May sound like a simple question, but keep in mind that ethically, the situation is no different than signing as preparer and giving him back his return to paper file. I'm just wondering if there is a prescribed difference in the way we are supposed to handle it.

[DonPriebe]

Take his check for your fees, give him his copy of the return and the 8879 for his wife to sign when he sees her, and an SASE to mail the 8879 back to you.

[Snaggletooth]

Sase

Thanks Don. What is it you call an "SASE?"

I also have a problem getting returns over and done with. Telling the customer to send something back to you will (more often than you think) result in a delay. This doesn't mean your advice isn't good, but the only way for me to make sure I get the document back is to hold off the E-file until it comes back in.

[BOB W]

Thanks Don. What is it you call an "SASE?"

I also have a problem getting returns over and done with. Telling the customer to send something back to you will (more often than you think) result in a delay. This doesn't mean your advice isn't good, but the only way for me to make sure I get the document back is to hold off the E-file until it comes back in.

Yes it is VERY important that you tell the client that you cannot file their return until you get the sign Fed & State Elf forms signed by both spouses back in your office. That can be be either by drop off, mail or fax. Email is another option but unless it is an encrypted email they must use the other methods.

[solomon]

http://www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=211143,00.html

[Lion]

Sase

Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope for them to mail back Form 8879 with both signatures BEFORE you d-file their return.

[PIGLEE]

I heard once at a conference. I gave the 8879 to my client to take home for spouse to sign. Preparer e-filed the return. Client called back a week later to say "MY WIFE DIED".
OOPS.

I won't efile until I get the signed forms, I don't want to give any of my clients a death sentence.

I attach to any signature forms that go out of my office a colored slip, THAT SAYS!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++

PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN TO ME.

I CANNOT E-FILE YOUR RETURN UNTIL I RECEIVE THESE SIGNED PAGES.

FAX : ................
EMAIL: ..................
OR MAIL TO: .............

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++

This has worked very, very good. Have had no problems or complaints since doing this.

[Davc]

Email is another option but unless it is an encrypted email they must use the other methods.

The client is allowed to be as insecure with their information as they wish. Encrypted e-mail is the smarter way to go but they could just drop by when you're not their and tape the form to the door if they wished.

[Chief]

8879

Thanks Don. What is it you call an "SASE?"

I also have a problem getting returns over and done with. Telling the customer to send something back to you will (more often than you think) result in a delay. This doesn't mean your advice isn't good, but the only way for me to make sure I get the document back is to hold off the E-file until it comes back in.

Snag, This is the only safe way to do it.

[Burke]

New post on NATP's newsletter today describes an E-file signature PIN process where the 8879 paper signature is no longer submitted?

[BP.]

New post on NATP's newsletter today describes an E-file signature PIN process where the 8879 paper signature is no longer submitted?

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=234470,00.html

Link to article discussed in newsletter you referenced. The 8879 was not "submitted," but is still required to let taxpayer authorize PIN entry.

[Burke]

So you have them give you a 5-digit PIN (for each TP) that you use when you efile?

[BP.]

So you have them give you a 5-digit PIN (for each TP) that you use when you efile?

I don't. I check the 8879 authorization box that allows the tp to authorize me (ERO) to enter the PIN. I use their zip code.

Text from article:

"Practitioner PIN Method

Taxpayers who use a volunteer or paid tax preparer may use the practitioner PIN method or the self-select PIN method. The practitioner PIN method allows you to authorize your tax preparer to enter or generate your five-digit PIN on your behalf. You must sign Form 8879, IRS e-file Signature Authorization. The practitioner retains Form 8879 but does not mail it to the IRS."

[oceanlovin'ea]

works for me

I have quite a few clients that come in to do tax return without spouse. I finish return, collect fees, give them 8879 and an envelope that has my return address label on both places, They take it home and have spouse sign it. I have it back the next day usually or in 2 days at the most. My people are really quick about sending it back. I do tell them I can't file the return until I get it back. And I don't.

Linda

[spanel]

To play devils advicate... are you guys calling the spouses to make sure they actually signed it and the taxpayer didnt forge the signiture?

I call the spouse to make sure they actually signed it. Dont want an upset spouse because the taxpayer filed without them knowing.


Chris