Electronic signatures have become an essential element of managing client tax filings. This comprehensive guide covers everything accounting and tax professionals need to know about IRS eSignature requirements to keep your practice compliant while improving efficiency.

Overview of IRS eSignature Policy

The IRS recognizes electronic signatures as legally equivalent to handwritten signatures when they meet specific criteria outlined in Internal Revenue Manual 10.10.1. IRS-compliant electronic signatures can take several forms:

• A typed name
• A personal identification number (PIN)
• A scanned image of a handwritten signature
• A digitally-captured signature using a stylus or finger on a touchscreen

For an electronic signature to be valid, it must clearly identify the signer and demonstrate the signer's intent to sign the specific document. The signature method must also create a record that can be retained and reproduced when necessary.

Form 8879 & Related Forms

Form 8879 (IRS e-file Signature Authorization) is the primary form taxpayers must sign to authorize electronic filing of their tax returns. This form serves as the taxpayer's declaration that they have reviewed their return and authorize the Electronic Return Originator (ERO) to transmit it electronically to the IRS.

Several variants of Form 8879 exist for different entity types:

• Form 8879 for individual returns
• Form 8879-PE for partnership returns
• Form 8879-C for corporation returns
• Form 8879-S for S-corporation returns
• Form 8879-EO for exempt organizations

Each of these forms must follow specific e-signature protocols if signed electronically rather than with traditional ink “wet” signatures.

For more detailed information on Form 8879 specifically, refer to our dedicated guide, "Form 8879 Electronic Signature Guide for Tax Preparers."

Identity Verification Requirements

For any remotely collected electronic signature, the IRS mandates robust identity verification of the signer. This requirement is detailed in IRS Publication 1345, which specifies compliance with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines at Identity Assurance Level 2 (IAL2).

In practical terms, this means accountants must implement one of these verification methods before accepting an electronic signature:

1. Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA): Requires the taxpayer to answer multiple questions based on information from their credit history or other personal data that isn't publicly available.
2. Digital certificates and identity verification services: Uses trusted third-party services to confirm the taxpayer's identity.
3. Identity documents plus facial recognition: Verification of government-issued photo ID combined with a selfie or video verification.

These measures ensure that the person electronically signing tax documents is truly who they claim to be, reducing the risk of fraudulent submissions.

Data Capture and Audit Trail

For each electronic signature, the ERO must capture and maintain specific data elements that create a tamper-proof audit trail. This includes:

• A digital image of the signed form
• The date and time of the signature
• The taxpayer's identification (including username if applicable)
• IP address from which the document was signed (for remote transactions)
• The authentication method used to verify the signer's identity

It is critical that the signature data be securely stored for a minimum of three years and be available for IRS inspection if requested. The audit trail creates an unbroken chain of evidence linking the signature to both the signer and the specific document they authorized.

In-Person vs Remote Signing

The IRS distinguishes between signatures collected in person and those obtained remotely, with different requirements for each scenario:

In-Person Signing

When a taxpayer signs Form 8879 while physically present in the accountant's office, particularly for established clients, the ERO may use simplified verification procedures. The accountant can visually confirm the client's identity without implementing the full IAL2 authentication process each year.

Remote Signing

When the taxpayer signs remotely (not physically present), the transaction falls under stricter "e-signature via remote transaction" rules. These require:

1. Full identity authentication meeting IAL2 standards
2. Complete audit trail documentation
3. Secure transmission and storage of all signature data

Remote signing offers convenience but requires more rigorous compliance measures to maintain security and meet IRS requirements.

Specific procedural details for handling these situations can be found in our guide "Form 8879 Electronic Signature Guide for Tax Preparers."

Why Proper eSignature Compliance Matters

Implementing correct electronic signature procedures isn't just about regulatory compliance—it directly impacts your practice's efficiency and risk exposure in the following ways:

• Avoiding rejected e-files: Improperly documented e-signatures can lead to rejected returns and filing delays..
• Preventing IRS penalties: Non-compliance with e-signature requirements may trigger penalties or even preparer investigations.
• Protecting client data: Proper authentication processes help prevent identity theft and unauthorized access.
• Streamlining workflows: When implemented correctly, e-signatures significantly reduce paper handling and speed up the filing process.

Understanding and following these requirements allows your accounting practice to confidently embrace digital workflows while maintaining IRS compliance.

In the sections that follow, we'll dive deeper into each aspect of e-signature compliance, including step-by-step implementation guides, troubleshooting common verification issues, and best practices for maintaining digital records as part of the tax audit trail.