signed copies of returns provided to clients

"Rhickey" wrote

It's not necessary to sign the client's copy, but it couldn't hurt to do so.

-- Paul Thomas, CPA snipped-for-privacy@bellsouth.net

Nope. Just the 8879 which you must retain for three years.

ChEAr$, Harlan Lunsford, EA n LA

The 'signature' on the 1040 can be printed. I've set up a fancy script signatue that looks like cursive handwriting which automatically prints on all 1040s. I'll do the same for corp. and partnership forms also. I believe you need to manually sign the 8879.

Hmmm..!!! I hadn't thought about it, BUT: If a 1040 may be facsimilie signed, why not a n 8879?

ChEAr$, Harlan Lunsford, EA n LA

Hmmm..!!! I hadn't thought about it, BUT: If a 1040 may be facsimilie signed, why not a n 8879?

ChEAr$, Harlan Lunsford, EA n LA

My reading of Circular E is that there is no requirement to provide the client with a SIGNED copy - just a copy. Accordingly, for the last 5-7 years I've been providing my clients with a copy of a PDF on a CD or via e-mail sometimes even. I'm down to less than 5% that receive a "traditional" paper copy. Regards,

Mark Rigotti, CPA

The rules appear to be

Electronically filed - 8879 suffices

Paper copy filed - sign the 1040

Is this right?

Sec 6695 (b)

(b) Failure to sign return

Any person who is an income tax return preparer with respect to any return or claim for refund, who is required by regulations prescribed by the Secretary to sign such return or claim, and who fails to comply with such regulations with respect to such return or claim shall pay a penalty of $50 for such failure, unless it is shown that such failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect. The maximum penalty imposed under this subsection on any person with respect to documents filed during any calendar year shall not exceed $25,000. Ron Hickey, CPA, EA, MTA

(snipped>....)

Hmmm, what's Circular E got to do with it? Did I miss something? ChEAr$, Harlan Lunsford, EA n LA

Moderator: You miss a lot when you don't read the New Yawk Times. :)

HL: I'd rather be reading Circular E cover to cover. ;)

C$, H