Preparer signature on e-filed returns

[Johnl777]

Is a tax return preparer required to give their clients a signed copy of an efiled tax return?  Or does just their signature on Form 8879 suffice for IRS rules? Seems like some preparers do not give clients a signed copy of the return, but just emails them an unsigned copy (password protected). If you can give your source for the answer, that would help too. Thanks.

[IRonMaN]

I let the software print my name in the signature box.  These days that counts as a signature on the return.

[Just-Lisa-Now-]

I have the software print my name in the signature box as well.    If it's good enough for IRS, its good enough for them.

[Accountant-Man]

I never wet sign a copy, only an original.

My name prints, too.

[dascpa]

Contrary to what others have posted, I sign every return before mailing, as well as have the software print my name in the signature box. I do this (a) as sometimes a return is printed, corrected, and reprinted; my signature tells me that is the final version, and (b) it shows the clients (who actually look at a return) that I went through each page of the return.  Maybe not required, just my preference.

[abctax55 · Accepted solution]

Printed name (on hard copies and on PDF's).

Hard copies (unfortunately a few clients insist ... ) are physically stamped with a red "CLIENT COPY" on page one & over the signature area.  I wet initial over my printed name.....old habit....used to mean something.

PDF copies are water marked with "C L I E N T   C O P Y" and just have my printed name.  I could make Adobe let me initial but .... why? 

I've occasionally had a client/or a lender *complain* that the watermark obscured some number...sigh.

[PATAX]

@Johnl777 @abctax55 @dascpa @Accountant-Man @Just-Lisa-Now- @IRonMaN great points from all...like dascpa said, imo it is a good idea to sign both the return and the e-file signature document....

[Johnl777]

Thanks for your answer. Agrees with Rev Ruling 78-317, even though IRS website says otherwise it appears as stated in 2/5/21 post of "Beware of "ghost" preparers who don't sign tax returns." I think, but could be wrong, the key is for the preparer to sign and date the Form 8879 e-file authorization, as well as get his taxpayers to sign and date the same, before efiling the return. Then the taxpayer copy can be given to the client unsigned, if I am reading the RR correctly. Take care and thanks.

[sjrcpa]

That ghost reference refers, for example, to "preparers" using Turddoh Tax who hand the client a tax return that says Prepared by a Nonpaid Preparer

[Just-Lisa-Now-]

I dont think 'non paid preparer' is an option in TT...its purely DIY so nothing prints in the Paid Preparer area.

You will see ghost preparers that use the cheapest professional software they can find and will mark returns as Self Prepared and not put any preparer info at all.

[sjrcpa]

That must be what I've seen.

[IRonMaN]

I ain't afraid of no ghost.

Ray Parker Jr. - Ghostbusters - YouTube