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Level 10
March 26, 2024
Solved

8879 Audit

  • March 26, 2024
  • 3 replies
  • 16 views

In my understanding these are retained by the CPA/ERO and could be audited by the IRS. If your 8879s have been examined are you willing to share what you learned from that experience?

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Best answer by TaxGuyBill

I could be wrong, but unless the IRS notices a potential problem, I don't think they do that very often anymore.  I think the IRS is putting forth much more effort towards auditing tax preparers for Due Diligence and have drastically reduced the 8879 audits.

3 replies

sjrcpa
Level 15
March 26, 2024

It was many years ago. IRS gave me a short list, by SSN, of signed 8879s they wanted to see.

I produced them.

End of story..

The more I know the more I don’t know.
Level 15
March 26, 2024

I could be wrong, but unless the IRS notices a potential problem, I don't think they do that very often anymore.  I think the IRS is putting forth much more effort towards auditing tax preparers for Due Diligence and have drastically reduced the 8879 audits.

Level 10
March 26, 2024

Thank you. I have saved 1000s of them. I need to review the requirements for disposal dates.

 

Some of my clients get very worried about signing exactly as the name is printed.  

 

With a very few trusted clients, I ask one to sign for both. I doubt that is a problem.

abctax55
Level 15
March 26, 2024

"...With a very few trusted clients, I ask one to sign for both"

MY solution for that is.....  'Isn't s/he in the car down in the parking lot?  Out the front door/back in seconds with the second signature.  <w> <nod>.

MY position on this is, if/when the e-file police show up - that's my signal to just go ahead and retire.  But I'm relatively close to that decision anyway so it wouldn't be a problem.  Well, it might be for my clients.

 

HumanKind... Be Both
Accountant-Man
Level 13
March 27, 2024

Back in the early days of e-filing - I started e-filing in 1993 - I was audited.

The only thing I couldn't find was my original approval letter from the IRS saying I was allowed to e-file.

I passed.

I scan all signed 8879s and destroy the originals.

** I'm still a champion... of the world! Even without The Lounge.