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IRSCredits & Incentives (8800/8900 Series)

Official form guide

Form 8879-TE: IRS E-file Signature Authorization for a Tax-Exempt Entity

IRS Form 8879-TE is the e‑file signature authorization for a tax‑exempt entity, allowing an officer to use a PIN to sign the 2025 electronic return and, when required, authorize an electronic funds withdrawal. The ERO must retain the form for 3 years.

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Form Overview

IRS Form 8879-TE - IRS E-file Signature Authorization for a Tax-Exempt Entity

IRS Form 8879-TE is the e‑file signature authorization for a tax‑exempt entity, allowing an officer to use a PIN to sign the 2025 electronic return and, when required, authorize an electronic funds withdrawal. The ERO must retain the form for 3 years.

The form collects the filer’s name and EIN or SSN, the officer’s name and title, the type of return and amount (Part I), the ERO firm name and PIN authorization (Part II), and the ERO’s EFIN, the officer’s five‑digit PIN, signature and date (Part III).

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1Submitting the form without the officer’s signature and date invalidates the electronic return.
  • 2Leaving the return type box unchecked in Part I.
  • 3Entering all zeros as the five‑digit PIN.
  • 4Failing to sign and date the form in Part III.
  • 5Sending the completed form to the IRS instead of the ERO.

Plain English

This form lets the officer of a tax‑exempt organization sign its 2025 electronic tax return with a personal PIN. If the return includes a payment, the same form can also approve the electronic withdrawal. The electronic return originator keeps the signed form, not the IRS.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: 2026-02-13 14:10:37
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

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Glossary Terms

electronicincludes

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use this form when an officer of a tax‑exempt or government entity (or a person subject to tax) wants to sign the 2025 electronic return with a PIN and, if required, authorize an electronic funds withdrawal.
  • Do not use it when the entity or person does not need a PIN or when the return is not one of the listed forms.
  • Check Form 8453-TE instead when the entity or person does not use a PIN or when an electronic signature is not required.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Filing a tax‑exempt return without a PIN

Provides a signature declaration when a PIN is not used

✓ Confirm no PIN will be entered on the return

Form 8453-TE

Authorizing electronic funds withdrawal for Form 8868 payment

Enables PIN‑based authorization of the payment

✓ Verify the balance‑due amount matches Form 8868 line 3c

Form 8879-TE

Submitting a Form 990‑PF with investment‑income tax

Authorizes electronic withdrawal of tax based on investment income

✓ Ensure the tax amount matches Form 990‑PF Part V line 5

Form 8879-TE

Deadline or filing window

Not stated in the official source.

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Part I box selection

Return type (e.g., Form 990) · Return form itself

⚠ Selecting the wrong box for the return✕ High
2

PIN entry

Five‑digit personal identification number · Filer's chosen PIN

⚠ Entering all zeros or fewer than five digits✕ Medium
3

Officer signature

Signature of officer or person subject to tax · Signature line on Form 8879‑TE

⚠ Missing signature or date✕ High
4

Date line

Date of signing · Calendar date

⚠ Leaving date blank✕ Medium
5

Retention note

Record‑keeping policy · Instructions page 2

⚠ Failing to retain for 3 years✕ Low

Before you submit

  1. 1Verify the correct return type box is checked in Part I.
  2. 2Confirm the amount entered matches the electronic return (whole dollars unless Form 8038‑CP or Form 5330).
  3. 3Ensure the PIN is five numbers and not all zeros.
  4. 4Check only one box for PIN entry method (ERO entry or personal entry).
  5. 5Sign the officer signature line.
  6. 6Date the form.
  7. 7Provide the ERO’s name and have the ERO sign if required.
  8. 8Confirm no "-0-" entries are left blank unless the return shows "-0-".
  9. 9Retain the completed form for 3 years.
  10. 10Do not send the form to the IRS unless specifically requested.

How to file this form

  1. 1Identify the correct return type and check the corresponding box in Part I of Form 8879‑TE. (Proof: box checked)
  2. 2Enter the total amount (revenue, tax, balance due, or credit) that matches the electronic return. (Proof: amount entered)
  3. 3Select and record a five‑digit PIN, ensuring it is not all zeros, and indicate whether the ERO will enter it. (Proof: PIN entered and box checked)
  4. 4Officer signs and dates the form. (Proof: signature and date)
  5. 5Deliver the completed Form 8879‑TE to the ERO using an approved method and obtain a delivery receipt. (Proof: delivery confirmation)

Known limitations

  1. 1The form does not apply when a PIN signature is not required.
  2. 2The form is not used for returns that are not listed (e.g., Form 990‑N).
  3. 3When a PIN is not used, the filer must use Form 8453‑TE instead.
  4. 4The form is only for tax‑exempt or government entities and persons subject to tax; other entities must use different procedures.

Field map

Compact field-by-field guide

6 fields

Entity Info

1 items

Taxpayer Name and TIN

Name and taxpayer ID of the entity claiming the credit.

Requiredtext

Credit Info

1 items

Credit Type

Type of credit or incentive being claimed.

Requiredselect

Calculation

2 items

Qualifying Amount

The base amount used to calculate the credit.

Requiredamount
Credit Amount

Calculated credit amount after applying formulas and limitations.

Requiredamount

Certification

1 items

Supporting Information

Detailed breakdown supporting the credit calculation.

text

Signatures

1 items

Signature

Sign and date the form.

Requiredsignature
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Current form status
IRS

Form 8879-TE (2025) was created on 5/1/25; the form directs users to www.irs.gov/Form8879TE for the latest information.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date — confirm the form shows 2025 edition created 5/1/25
  • Fee — Not stated in the official source
  • Mailing address — Not stated in the official source
  • Signature — confirm officer signs and dates the form
  • PIN length — confirm PIN is five numbers not all zeros

Form Preview

Form 8879-TE page 1

Page 1

Form 8879-TE page 2

Page 2

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Quick Facts

A tax‑exempt or government entity, or a person subject to tax with respect to the entity, must file IRS Form 8879‑TE.
The form collects the filer’s name and EIN or SSN, the officer’s name and title, the type of return and amount (Part I), the ERO firm name and PIN authorization (Part II), and the ERO’s EFIN, the officer’s five‑digit PIN, signature and date (Part III).
Not stated in the official source.
Do not send Form 8879‑TE to the IRS; the electronic return originator retains it and the officer returns the completed form to the ERO by hand delivery, U.S. mail, private delivery service, email, Internet website, or fax.
If the form is not completed and signed before the electronic return is submitted, the return cannot be authorized. The ERO must keep the form for 3 years from the return due date or IRS receipt date, whichever is later.
First, check the appropriate box and enter the return type and amount in Part I. Next, in Part II, enter the ERO firm name and indicate whether the officer or the ERO will enter the PIN. Then, in Part III, enter the ERO’s six‑digit EFIN, the officer’s five‑digit PIN, and sign and date the form. Finally, deliver the completed form to the ERO using an approved method; the ERO retains the form.

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After you file

  1. 1Store the signed Form 8879‑TE in the entity’s records.
  2. 2Retain the form for 3 years from the return due date or the IRS receipt date, whichever is later.
  3. 3If retained electronically, keep it in compliance with Rev. Proc. 97‑22.
  4. 4Do not expect a direct acknowledgment from the IRS; the ERO will confirm receipt.
  5. 5If an error is discovered, contact the ERO to correct the PIN or amount.
  6. 6Verify that the ERO has retained the form as required.

Sources

  • SRCForm p.1 — revision date created 5/1/25.
  • SRCForm p.1 — latest information URL www.irs.gov/Form8879TE.
  • SRCForm p.2 — purpose of Form 8879‑TE described for PIN signature and electronic funds withdrawal.
  • SRCForm p.2 — retention period: retain for 3 years from return due date or IRS receipt date.
  • SRCForm p.2 — PIN must be five numbers other than all zeros.
  • SRCForm p.2 — do not send Form 8879‑TE to the IRS unless requested.
  • SRCForm p.2 — delivery methods include hand delivery, U.S. mail, private delivery service, email, Internet website, and fax.
  • SRCForm p.2 — check Form 8453‑TE when not using Form 8879‑TE.
  • SRCForm p.1 — amount entry rules: Form 8038‑CP and Form 5330 may use dollars and cents; all other forms require whole dollars.

Common confusion points

Do I need to fill out line 1b if my return shows -0-?

The instructions differentiate between a blank amount and a -0- entry.

→ Verify the return shows -0- before entering -0-; otherwise leave line 1b blank.

Can I enter cents on Form 990?

Only Form 8038‑CP and Form 5330 allow dollars and cents; all other forms require whole dollars.

→ Use whole dollars for Form 990 entries.

Do I have to send this form to the IRS?

The form states not to send it to the IRS unless requested.

→ Keep the form for records and give it only to the ERO.

What if I want to enter the PIN myself and also authorize the ERO?

Only one box may be checked for PIN entry method.

→ Choose one method and check only that box.

Is the PIN allowed to be all zeros?

The PIN must be five numbers other than all zeros.

→ Ensure at least one digit is non‑zero.

Do I need to retain the form after electronic filing?

Retention is required for 3 years regardless of filing method.

→ Keep the form for the required period.

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

5 signals

Before

Form 990 – prepares the tax‑exempt entity’s return that will be signed with Form 8879‑TE.

Current

8879-TE

After

Form 8453‑TE – required when a PIN is not used or when Form 8879‑TE is not appropriate.

Often used with

Form 8879‑TE – authorizes PIN signature and electronic funds withdrawal for the return.Form 8038‑CP – allows credit payment request entry on Form 8879‑TE.

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • Form 8453‑TE – can be filed to provide a signature declaration if PIN authorization fails.

Questions about IRS Form 8879-TE

What is IRS Form 8879-TE used for?

This form lets the officer of a tax‑exempt organization sign its 2025 electronic tax return with a personal PIN. If the return includes a payment, the same form can also approve the electronic withdrawal. The electronic return originator keeps the signed form, not the IRS.

Who must file IRS Form 8879-TE?

A tax‑exempt or government entity, or a person subject to tax with respect to the entity, must file IRS Form 8879‑TE.

What information does IRS Form 8879-TE require?

The form collects the filer’s name and EIN or SSN, the officer’s name and title, the type of return and amount (Part I), the ERO firm name and PIN authorization (Part II), and the ERO’s EFIN, the officer’s five‑digit PIN, signature and date (Part III).

Where do I file IRS Form 8879-TE?

Do not send Form 8879‑TE to the IRS; the electronic return originator retains it and the officer returns the completed form to the ERO by hand delivery, U.S. mail, private delivery service, email, Internet website, or fax.

How do I complete IRS Form 8879-TE?

First, check the appropriate box and enter the return type and amount in Part I. Next, in Part II, enter the ERO firm name and indicate whether the officer or the ERO will enter the PIN. Then, in Part III, enter the ERO’s six‑digit EFIN, the officer’s five‑digit PIN, and sign and date the form. Finally, deliver the completed form to the ERO using an approved method; the ERO retains the form.

What happens if IRS Form 8879-TE is filed incorrectly?

If the form is not completed and signed before the electronic return is submitted, the return cannot be authorized. The ERO must keep the form for 3 years from the return due date or IRS receipt date, whichever is later.

Do I need to fill out line 1b if my return shows -0-?

The instructions differentiate between a blank amount and a -0- entry. Verify the return shows -0- before entering -0-; otherwise leave line 1b blank.

Can I enter cents on Form 990?

Only Form 8038‑CP and Form 5330 allow dollars and cents; all other forms require whole dollars. Use whole dollars for Form 990 entries.

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Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
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