IRS Temporarily Allows Electronic Signatures on Form 8973
With the onset of COVID-19, NAPEO – through our outside tax counsel Davis and Harman – wrote the IRS twice in 2020 about using an electronic signature on Form 8973. Finally, on April 15, 2021, the IRS updated its list of tax forms that the Service is temporarily allowing electronic signatures to include Form 8973. This relief was initially provided on a temporary basis through the end of 2021 but was subsequently extended through October 31, 2023. While it is not a complete victory, it is a big step in the right direction – and it provides relief for CPEOs to obtain electronic signatures through much of 2023. Further, the IRS has indicated to NAPEO that it is working toward allowing electronic signatures on a permanent basis in the future.