Faxed

[gman]

Is it acceptable to fax the form 8879 to the client and then have a faxed signature in file instead of an origional signed.

[Gene V]

Yes, See instruction for From 8879

Taxpayer Responsibilities

Taxpayers have the following responsibilities.
1. Verify the accuracy of the prepared income tax return, including direct deposit information.
2. Check the appropriate box in Part II to authorize the ERO to enter or generate your PIN or to do it yourself.
3. Indicate or verify your PIN when authorizing the ERO to enter or generate it (the PIN must be five numbers other than all zeros).
4. Sign and date Form 8879. Taxpayers must sign Form 8879 by handwritten signature.
5. Return the completed Form 8879 to the ERO in person, or by U.S. mail, private delivery service, fax, email, or an Internet website.

[ATSMAN]

I would add to that a picture of the signed form that is set to you as a jpg image. A lot of taxpayers with smartphones with high resolution cameras are simply signing that form, taking a closeup picture and sending that back to you via cell phone. You can then download the jpg file of the signed document.