Filing Taxes

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Need Some Deductions for 2011?

Don't overlook these!

10 Oddball Tax Deductions

11 Most Overlooked Tax Deductions

Updated for 2011

Signing Your E-Filed Return

Signing Your E-Filed Return

Two Ways to Sign an E-Filed Return:

You don't sign Form 1040 (or 1040A or 1040EZ). If you e-file your return you have to choices for signing your return:

  1. Digital signature (PIN number)
  2. Paper signature (Form 8453)

1) Digital Signature:

You choose your own 5-digit PIN number (personal identification number) as your digital signature. No zeros or letters may be used in your PIN number.

The 5-digit number is your digital signature; you don't have to memorize it.

The same PIN number may be used by another person because the IRS uses other information to validate your identify, for example, your social security number, date of birth.

If you use your own tax software, the software's instructions will guide you through the e-filling process.

If you use a paid preparer, you can still choose your own PIN number. In fact, it's a good idea to have your own PIN number because it allows you to pay any other federal taxes electronically using your own computer.

For example, if you have to make quarterly estimated tax payments, you can schedule them to be paid on the due dates by having the funds automatically withdrawn from your checking account.

NOTE: Employment tax payments for Forms 940, 941, and 944 cannot be scheduled in advance.

2) Paper Signature (Form 8453):

If you don't use a PIN number, you must complete and sign Form 8453, U.S. Individual Income Tax Declaration for an IRS e-file On-Line Return.

Remember, you don't sign Form 1040 (or Form 1040A, or Form 1040-EZ) when you e-file, you sign Form 8453 instead.

Form 8453 is used to provide a paper signature to the IRS for your e-filed forms and schedules.

CAUTION: Form 8453 MUST be received by the IRS on or before the due date of your return to avoid a late filing penalty. The date you e-filed your forms and schedules does not count.