Can I attach Form 8886 as a pdf and efile a Form 1040 that requires this form or do I need to mail a paper return?
Yes you can attach as a pdf. From instructions:
Attach Form 8886 to your income tax return or information return (including a partnership, S corporation, or trust return), including amended returns, for each tax year in which you participated in a reportable transaction. If a reportable transaction results in a loss or credit carried back to a prior tax year, attach Form 8886 to an application for tentative refund (Form 1045 or 1139) or amended return for the carryback years.
You have clicked a link to a site outside of the Intuit Accountants Community. By clicking "Continue", you will leave the community and be taken to that site instead.