A signed Federal Form 8453 must be attached to a federal estate or trust return whenever a taxpayer electronically files that type of return without the assistance of a Paid Preparer. A signed Form 8453 authorizes the transmitter to send the return to the IRS. Form 8453 includes the taxpayer’s declaration under penalties of perjury that the return is true and complete, as well as the taxpayer’s Consent to Disclosure.

You will need access to a printer, scanner and the ability to convert a file to PDF format.

1. When the program prompts you to print Form 8453, you must print, review and sign Form 8453.
2. You must then scan the signed Form 8453 and convert the file to PDF format.
3. It’s important that you remember the name and location of the saved PDF file.
1. Use a descriptive file name such as 8453SignatureDoc.pdf and save the file where you can find it easily, such as your desktop or the TaxACT folder of your Documents directory.
2. Do not password protect or encrypt the PDF attachment.
3. In order to minimize PDF file size, be careful not to use a resolution greater than 300 dpi or fine image settings.
4. Next, the program will prompt you to attach Form 8453.
1. Clicking the “Attach Form 8453” button will open the browser to allow you to locate the saved Form 8453 PDF file.
2. Highlight the PDF file and click the Open button in the browser window to attach the file to the electronic return.
5. The program will prompt you when the file has been successfully attached.
6. Continue through the remaining e-file steps to submit the electronic return.
7. The program will prompt you when the e-file steps are complete and when they have successfully submitted their return.

Important: A signed Form 8453 must be attached to an electronically filed return to be accepted by IRS and considered timely filed.

If the return is rejected and you change the return for resubmission, you should attach a new 8453 with the resubmission.

The taxpayer is responsible for attaching a properly completed Form 8453 PDF file.