I often e-mail clients a .pdf copy of their tax return to review, along with a .pdf copy of Form 8879 to sign and return to me prior to filing the return electronically. Usually, the signed Form 8879 is mailed or faxed back. One client just asked if a digitally signed .pdf copy sent by e-mail is acceptable. I don't see why it would not be acceptable, since the entire return is accepted without a written signature and digital signatures are more and more common. Comments??
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Yes. IRS accepts the entire return without written signature because of YOU, their trusted partner in the efiling program. I'm assuming, of course, that you are an ERO.
So it's your responsibility to maintain in your files your client's signature, and it may be that on a facsimili copy (fax) to my knowledge, IRS has not addressed this digital signature idea.
ChEAr$, Harlan Lunsford, EA n LA
"R. Pile" wrote
It should be fine - just have him keep the original signature page with his files, at least for a short while. I've only had the IRS ask for the signature page once. Can't remember what the deal was.
-- Paul Thomas, CPA snipped-for-privacy@bellsouth.net
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