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Official form guide
Form 8453-TE: Tax-Exempt Entity Declaration and Signature for E-file
IRS Form 8453-TE is the Tax-Exempt Entity Declaration and Signature for E-file, filed by tax-exempt organizations submitting Forms 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 1120-POL, 4720, 8868, 5227, 5330, or 8038-CP. The form must be filed with the electronically filed return.
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IRS Form 8453-TE - Tax-Exempt Entity Declaration and Signature for E-file
IRS Form 8453-TE is the Tax-Exempt Entity Declaration and Signature for E-file, filed by tax-exempt organizations submitting Forms 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 1120-POL, 4720, 8868, 5227, 5330, or 8038-CP. The form must be filed with the electronically filed return.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Submitting Form 8453‑TE without the required ERO or paid‑preparer signature.
- 2Leaving the b‑line blank when the return shows $0 instead of entering -0- as instructed.
- 3Checking more than one box in Part I, which the form prohibits.
- 4Failing to check the Part II Fed/State program box when a copy to a state agency is required.
- 5Omitting the ERO’s signature or using an unauthorized signing method.
Plain English
Form 8453-TE confirms that a tax‑exempt organization has signed its electronic return. It records the total revenue, tax, or balance due from the return and any state‑agency copy request. The form also captures the signatures of the electronic return originator and any paid preparer. It is sent as a PDF together with the e‑filed return.
Submission Date
- Filing date: 2025-12-09 10:10:33
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when filing a 2025 Form 990, Form 990‑EZ, Form 990‑PF, Form 990‑T, Form 1120‑POL, Form 4720, Form 5227, Form 5330, Form 8038‑CP, or Form 8868 with payment through an ISP or third‑party transmitter and you are not using an ERO.
- Do not use it when filing a paper return or when an Electronic Return Originator (ERO) is handling the filing.
- Check Form 8879‑TE instead when an ERO is filing the return.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Filing through an ISP without an ERO
Provides authentication and authorizes electronic transmission
✓ Confirm you are not using an ERO
Filing via an ERO
ERO must use its own signature authorization form
✓ Confirm ERO is using Form 8879-TE
Authorizing electronic funds withdrawal for payment
Form includes authorization for electronic funds withdrawal for certain returns
✓ Confirm payment method matches the return
Deadline or filing window
The form is due on the regular due date of the accompanying return; if that date lands on a weekend or legal holiday, file on the next business day. No separate extension is provided; any extension must be obtained for the underlying return.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Part I – Return type selection
Check box for appropriate return · Form 8453-TE Part I
Part I – Amount entry
Total revenue or tax amount from the primary return · Corresponding line on the return (e.g., Form 990 Part VIII line 12)
Part III – PTIN entry
Paid preparer’s PTIN issued after Sep 27, 2010 · Form W‑12 or IRS PTIN database
Signature block – ERO signature
Facsimile of ERO’s signature or printed name · Alternative signing method on page 3
Electronic funds withdrawal authorization
Indication of payment for Form 990‑PF, 990‑T, 1120‑POL, 4720, 5330, or 8868 · Instructions on page 2
Before you submit
- 1Verify the correct return type box is checked in Part I.
- 2Enter the exact total revenue or tax amount from the associated return.
- 3Leave the amount line blank only if the return shows a blank amount; do not enter –0– unless the return shows –0–.
- 4Enter the paid preparer’s PTIN if applicable and ensure it was issued after Sep 27, 2010.
- 5Provide the ERO’s facsimile signature or printed name in the signature block.
- 6Scan the completed Form 8453-TE to create a PDF file.
- 7Attach the PDF to the electronically filed return using your tax software.
- 8Confirm the software transmits the PDF with the return.
- 9Retain the electronic transmission acknowledgment.
- 10Check that the form revision reads 20 25.
How to file this form
- 1Select the appropriate return type box on Part I.
- 2Enter the total revenue or tax amount from the primary return.
- 3Enter the PTIN if a paid preparer is used.
- 4Provide the ERO’s signature or printed name in the signature block.
- 5Scan the completed form to PDF.
- 6Transmit the PDF together with the electronic return via your software.
- 7Save the transmission receipt as proof of filing.
Known limitations
- 1Does not apply to paper (mail) filings.
- 2Not required when an ERO files the return and chooses Form 8879‑TE instead.
- 3Not applicable to returns other than the listed Form 990 series, 1120‑POL, 4720, 5227, 5330, 8038‑CP, or 8868.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
General Info
2 items
Full legal name and taxpayer identification number (SSN or EIN).
Current mailing address.
Details
2 items
Complete all applicable sections of this form according to the official IRS instructions.
Enter the relevant dollar amount if this form involves tax calculation.
Certification
1 items
Read and acknowledge any certifications required by this form.
Signatures
1 items
Sign and date. Unsigned forms cannot be processed.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The form shows revision 20 25 on its header and directs users to www.irs.gov/Form8453TE for the latest information.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision reads 20 25 on the form header.
- Fee — Not stated in the official source — verify on the agency site.
- Mailing address — Not stated in the official source — verify on the agency site.
- Signature — confirm the form includes the required individual ERO signature or printed name as described on page 3.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Store the PDF of Form 8453-TE with the return records.
- 2Keep the transmission receipt for at least three years.
- 3Monitor for any IRS acknowledgment or error notice.
- 4If an error is identified, file an amended Form 8453-TE with the corrected information.
- 5Update the PTIN record if the preparer’s PTIN changes.
Sources
- SRCForm p.1 — revision shown as 20 25 on the header.
- SRCForm p.1 — directs users to www.irs.gov/Form8453TE for latest information.
- SRCForm p.2 — purpose listed as authentication, ERO authorization, ISP authorization, and electronic funds withdrawal.
- SRCForm p.2 — filing requirement for ISP filings without an ERO.
- SRCForm p.2 — ERO may use Form 8453-TE or Form 8879-TE.
- SRCForm p.2 — due dates for Form 990 series and Form 1120-POL described.
- SRCForm p.3 — alternative signing method requires facsimile of ERO signature or printed name.
- SRCForm p.3 — PTIN must be issued after September 27, 2010.
- SRCNot stated in the official source — verify on the agency site.
Common confusion points
Do I need to file Form 8453-TE if I use an ERO?
EROs can use Form 8453-TE or Form 8879‑TE, but the ERO may prefer Form 8879‑TE.
→ Verify which authorization form the ERO is using.
What amount should I enter if the return shows a blank line?
The form says to leave the amount line blank when the return amount is blank.
→ Leave the line blank; do not enter –0–.
Can I enter cents for Form 990‑EZ?
Only Form 8038‑CP and Form 5330 allow dollars and cents; all other forms require whole dollars.
→ Enter whole dollars for Form 990‑EZ.
Is a PTIN required for an unpaid ERO?
Unpaid EROs may enter either PTIN or SSN, but PTIN must be issued after Sep 27, 2010 if used.
→ Provide SSN if no qualifying PTIN.
Do I need to sign if I’m filing electronically?
The alternative signing method requires a facsimile of the ERO’s signature or printed name.
→ Include the required signature image.
Will the form be accepted if the revision date is missing?
The form must display the revision date (20 25) to be current.
→ Confirm the revision date appears on the form.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- Form 1040X – used to amend a filed return (general reference)
Questions about IRS Form 8453-TE
What is IRS Form 8453-TE used for?
Form 8453-TE confirms that a tax‑exempt organization has signed its electronic return. It records the total revenue, tax, or balance due from the return and any state‑agency copy request. The form also captures the signatures of the electronic return originator and any paid preparer. It is sent as a PDF together with the e‑filed return.
Who must file IRS Form 8453-TE?
Tax‑exempt entities filing Forms 990, 990‑EZ, 990‑PF, 990‑T, 1120‑POL, 4720, 8868, 5227, 5330, or 8038‑CP must file IRS Form 8453-TE.
What information does IRS Form 8453-TE require?
Part I reports the total revenue, tax, or balance due from the return; Part II checks a box if copies must be sent to state charity regulators; Part III records the ERO and paid‑preparer signatures and PTIN.
When is IRS Form 8453-TE due?
Form 8453-TE is due on the same date as the return it accompanies; if that date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the organization may file on the next business day.
Where do I file IRS Form 8453-TE?
Submit the completed Form 8453-TE as a PDF together with the electronically filed return through the tax‑preparation software’s e‑file transmission.
How do I complete IRS Form 8453-TE?
Select the appropriate box in Part I and enter the amount shown on the return, leaving the corresponding b line blank if the return amount is blank. Check the Part II box if the return instructs the IRS to send copies to state agencies. In Part III, the ERO signs (rubber stamp, mechanical device, or software) and a paid preparer signs and enters a PTIN issued after September 27, 2010, unless the preparer is also the ERO. Scan the signed form to PDF and transmit it with the e‑filed return.
Do I need to file Form 8453-TE if I use an ERO?
EROs can use Form 8453-TE or Form 8879‑TE, but the ERO may prefer Form 8879‑TE. Verify which authorization form the ERO is using.
What amount should I enter if the return shows a blank line?
The form says to leave the amount line blank when the return amount is blank. Leave the line blank; do not enter –0–.
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