Hi, I'm Becki and I work for the Internal Revenue Service.

I'd like to tell you about two new electronic signature authorization forms.

They make e-filing employment taxes for your business easier than ever.

Now, you can e-file your employment tax returns without becoming an IRS Authorized Signer.

The new forms allow you to skip that process, which can take up to 45 days to complete.

Both Forms 8879-EMP and 8453-EMP allow for completely paperless e-filing.

And, they offer several ways to electronically sign your returns.

When you use the 8879-EMP, an Electronic Return Originator or ERO, will e-file your returns using a PIN.

You can't send your returns to the IRS yourself when using this form.

And, here's how it works!

First, choose a five-digit PIN to serve as your electronic signature.

Next, you can either enter your PIN into the ERO's tax-prep software, or authorize the ERO to input it directly for you.

The ERO then e-files the returns.

It's that simple.

The other electronic signature alternative is to use the 8453-EMP, which doesn't require any PINs to sign your return.

Instead, you scan the form that includes signatures, into a PDF file.

Then you attach that file to your e-filed tax return.

The form has places for up to three scanned signatures.

You must always sign the form as the business owner responsible for paying the employment taxes.

If you choose not to transmit the return yourself using commercial tax prep software, you can authorize an ERO or a paid tax preparer to sign the form and e-file it for you.

Also, a paid preparer signing this form doesn't have to be a reporting agent, which allows you more flexibility in choosing your preparer.

So, if you're a business looking for a quick, secure way to sign employment tax returns, the IRS has got you covered with our two new electronic signature forms.

Give them a try the next time you e-file.