signed 8879s

[oceanlovin'ea]

I have quite a few clients that take the 8879 home for their spouse to sign. Then they either mail it back to me or bring it back to me. Now they don't have a copy of their signed 8879 because they gave it to me. I scan it and keep the scanned copy. Am I obligated to mail them their copy back? Postage could run up if I have to mail these all back to people plus my time. I would just shred them. If they want a copy later I can always print out a copy of what I scanned. What is proper?

Linda, EA

[ATSMAN]

I have quite a few clients that take the 8879 home for their spouse to sign. Then they either mail it back to me or bring it back to me. Now they don't have a copy of their signed 8879 because they gave it to me. I scan it and keep the scanned copy. Am I obligated to mail them their copy back? Postage could run up if I have to mail these all back to people plus my time. I would just shred them. If they want a copy later I can always print out a copy of what I scanned. What is proper?

Linda, EA

If they drop off the signed copy of the 8879, I make a photo copy and give them a copy. If they e-mail or fax it, I return it the same way. If they mail it to me I call them and ask if they want a copy. Most say no because they already have the unsigned copy in their client packet. The only thing added was their signature.

I am not aware of any IRS rules that says you have to give the taxpayer the signed version of 8879. They got a copy of the entire return including the unsigned 8879. We are suppose to keep that on file (hard copy or electronic) for 3 years.

I scan the pdf of all signed 8879 into my paperless filing system.