PINs Not Pens

Still using a pen to sign your returns? Well, you can save some ink. More returns are being signed by PINs (Personal Identification Numbers). As of March 12, 2006, of all ERO accepted returns filed so far in 2006, 81.52 percent used a PIN. This is up 11.07 percent from last year. Using a PIN is quick and easy, and it prevents you from having to mail in 8453s. PINs can be used on most federal and state returns and can be used by both the preparer and taxpayers.

The ERO PIN is the ERO’s electronic signature. You may use any five numbers (except all zeros) for your PIN. The IRS recommends using the same five numbers all the time. This is not a requirement but will make your life easier during the crunch of tax time.

So you can sign with a PIN as the ERO, and your clients can sign with their own PIN. Instead of Form 8453, you will be using Form 8879. You must save the 8879 for three years, but the 8879 can be saved electronically. The ERO PIN – it just makes sense.

From April 2006

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