eSign Tax Return: What you need to know

Make sure you sign your online tax return using IRS-approved e-signature methods. 

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Tax season is here, and companies everywhere owe the IRS a sizable payment. In fiscal year 2022 alone, the federal government collected over $475 billion in business income taxes.

Although filing taxes is never fun, submitting an electronic tax return can take away some of the sting. That's a leading reason why over 80% of tax returns are done digitally each year—among businesses and individuals—which is just how the government likes it.

Digital returns are faster, easier, and more secure to process. Plus, electronic forms are much less likely to get separated or lost, as online submissions come with checks and balances and a robust paper trail.

Even with online tax filings, forms still need to be signed. If you're an individual filer, business, accountant, or certified tax preparer, here's what you need to know about IRS e-signature requirements. We'll also address other common related questions readers have. 

Can I electronically sign my tax forms?

For most forms, yes, the IRS will accept an electronic submission, although certain tax forms—such as Forms 1041-QFT and 990-T—cannot be submitted online. Additionally, many amended tax returns or returns with attached schedules cannot be electronically filed.

Which tax forms can be signed electronically?

This list of IRS tax forms that can be digitally signed is current as of the date of this article's publication based on available data on the IRS.gov website. Consult the IRS website or a tax professional directly for advice on your tax filing situation.

• Form 11-C, Occupational Tax and Registration Return for Wagering
• Form 637, Application for Registration (For Certain Excise Tax Activities)
• Form 706, U.S. Estate Tax Return
• Form 706-A, U.S. Additional Estate Tax Return (from List 1)
• Form 706-GS(D), Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for Distributions
• Form 706-GS(D-1), Notification of Distribution from a Generation-Skipping Trust (from List 1)
• Form 706-GS(T), Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for Terminations
• Form 706-QDT, U.S. Estate Tax Return for Qualified Domestic Trusts
• Form 706 Schedule R-1, Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax (from List 1)
• Form 706-NA, U.S. Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return
• Form 709, U.S. Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return
• Form 730, Monthly Tax Return for Wagers
• Form 1042, Annual Withholding Tax Return for U.S. Source Income of Foreign Persons
• Form 1066, U.S. Income Tax Return for Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit
• Form 1120-C, U.S. Income Tax Return for Cooperative Associations
• Form 1120-FSC, U.S. Income Tax Return of a Foreign Sales Corporation (from List 2)
• Form 1120-H, U.S. Income Tax Return for Homeowners Associations
• Form 1120-IC DISC, Interest Charge Domestic International Sales – Corporation Return (from List 1)
• Form 1120-L, U.S. Life Insurance Company Income Tax Return (from List 1)
• Form 1120-ND, Return for Nuclear Decommissioning Funds and Certain Related Persons (from List 2)
• Form 1120-PC, U.S. Property and Casualty Insurance Company Income Tax Return (from List 1)
• Form 1120-REIT, U.S. Income Tax Return for Real Estate Investment Trusts (from List 2)
• Form 1120-RIC, U.S. Income Tax Return for Regulated Investment Companies (from List 2)
• Form 1120-SF, U.S. Income Tax Return for Settlement Funds (Under Section 468B) (from List 1)
• Form 1127, Application for Extension of Time for Payment of Tax Due to Undue Hardship
• Form 1128, Application to Adopt, Change, or Retain a Tax Year
• Form 2678, Employer/Payer Appointment of Agent
• Form 3115, Application for Change in Accounting Method
• Form 3520, Annual Return To Report Transactions With Foreign Trusts and Receipt of Certain Foreign Gifts
• Form 3520-A, Annual Information Return of Foreign Trust With a U.S. Owner
• Form 4421, Declaration – Executor’s Commissions and Attorney’s Fees
• Form 4768, Application for Extension of Time to File a Return and/or Pay U.S. Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Taxes
• Form 8038, Information Return for Tax-Exempt Private Activity Bond Issues
• Form 8038-G, Information Return for Tax-Exempt Governmental Bonds
• Form 8038-GC, Information Return for Small Tax-Exempt Governmental Bond Issues, Leases, and Installment Sales (from List 1)
• Form 8283, Noncash Charitable Contributions
• Form 8453 series, Form 8878 series, and Form 8879 series regarding IRS e-file Signature Authorization Forms
• Form 8802, Application for U.S. Residency Certification
• Form 8832, Entity Classification Election
• Form 8971, Information Regarding Beneficiaries Acquiring Property from a Decedent
• Form 8973, Certified Professional Employer Organization/Customer Reporting Agreement
• Elections made under Internal Revenue Code section 83(b)

How do I electronically sign a tax return form?

{Alt: Woman holding a smartphone that has a "sign here" sticky note attached to reflect how phones are now used to eSign documents | Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash}

The IRS has several permitted signature types for digitally tax-related forms. Any of these methods may be used:

• Use trusted e-signature software like Blueink
• PIN: Use a Self-Select PIN. A practitioner PIN
• Name that is typed at the end of an electronic record or typed into a signature box
• A scanned or digitized image of a handwritten signature that is attached to the electronic record
• A handwritten signature mark on a display screen made with a stylus device
• A handwritten signature made on an electronic signature pad using your finger or a stylus device 
• Unique biometric identification such as a voice, retinal scan, or fingerprint

IRS electronic signature requirements

The IRS defines an electronic signature as "the electronic equivalent of a handwritten signature" that is "generic" and "technology neutral." For the IRS to consider an e-signature legally binding, it must meet these security requirements:

• The signature is made using an acceptable method, such as third-party software (Blueink qualifies) or an IRS-issued PIN.
• The signature is executed or adopted by the signer with the intent to sign the form.
• The signature must be attached to or associated with the form in a manner that establishes a clear intent to sign that specific form.
• The signer is authorized to sign the form and there are means to identify and authenticate their identity and signing authorization.

• There are means to preserve the electronically signed form in a tamper-proof manner where the form cannot be copied, excised, or edited.

How do I eSign and submit my tax return?

Here's an overview of the steps needed to complete an online return.

Prepare your tax return

First, gather all the necessary documents, including receipts, statements, and other paperwork. Using an accountant, tax preparer, or tax preparation software such as TaxSlayer or TurboTax can streamline the process.

Review the information

Next, review the information and check for any errors. If you're uncertain about any portion of your tax return, talk to a qualified tax professional. With many tax software programs, there are also safeguards in place so you do not skip any forms or provide inconsistent information.

Choose your e-signing method

For the tax return itself, you can use one of two e-file signature methods: Self-Select PIN or Practitioner PIN. Request your PIN directly from the IRS. That PIN is good for one calendar year.

Other supporting forms that must be submitted with your tax return can be signed using Blueink or other approved signature methods like using a digitized record of your handwritten signature.

Submit your electronic return

The IRS will accept returns via third-party filing software or from a Modernized e-File (MeF) business provider. Some filers may be able to participate in the IRS Direct File pilot which is available in 12 states for 2024.

Retain copies

Make sure to keep a copy of your signed tax return and other supporting documents. If you use Blueink to sign any tax forms, such as Power of Attorney (Form 2848) or itemization schedules, Blueink will automatically create a copy for you so that you have a permanent digital record.

eSign your tax return with confidence

Tax return season is relentless, but the right software can help. Blueink makes it simple to manage an endless flow of paperwork, offering speed, convenience, compliance, and security so you can electronically sign and submit all your documents with greater confidence.

Frequently asked questions

Do you have to get your tax return notarized?

In most cases, no. When filing your tax return, no notarization is required—just make sure that everything is properly signed according to IRS signature requirements.

There are some scenarios where you may need notarized copies of your tax return, such as filing for U.S. citizenship or completing an application for college financial aid. In this scenario, print a copy of your return and bring it to a local notary. You can commonly find them at local banks, credit unions, or UPS stores. Make sure not to sign it until the notary is there to witness your signature. 

Can you use a signature stamp on IRS forms?

For some forms, yes. According to the IRS, corporate officers or authorized agencies can sign these forms by stamp or facsimile:

• Form 94X series
• Form 1042
• Form 8027
• Form CT-1

The person stamping the form must have appropriately documented authorization to ensure compliance. 

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