In 2008, the IRS made the decision to remove the paper signature form for e-filing (8453-OL). Before this decision became final, taxpayers who completed their returns and who chose to e-file could either print and sign the 8453-OL form, or use self-selected PIN numbers.

Now, with the elimination of Form 8453-OL, taxpayers who choose to have their returns electronically filed will need to use a self-selected PIN number. In order to do this, they will need to supply their date of birth, and either their prior year AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) from their original Tax Year 2007 federal return or their Tax Year 2007 PIN – personal identification number – before they can electronically file their 2008 federal returns.

Where there may be issues
This is not a case of “close but no cigar.” Your prior year AGI must be the exact AGI that is on your original Tax Year 2007 federal return, so no guessing, and no rounding up or down, it must be the exact AGI. The same holds true for your Tax Year 2007 PIN (which can be any five digits, except all zeroes); it must be the exact one used when you filed your Tax Year 2007 return. No exceptions. You can find your AGI for Tax Year 2007 on Line 37 of the 1040 Form, Line 21 of the 1040A Form and on Line 4 of the 1040EZ Form. If you filed an amended return, or your return was adjusted by the IRS, you should use the AGI from your originally-filed return.

If you’re a TaxCut online or software user, we’re here to help
If you were a TaxCut Online user last year, the program will allow you easy access to a PDF of your 2007 return. Both TaxCut Online programs and TaxCut software will allow you to easily import this information into the required area for e-filing.

For new and returning TaxCut users, the programs will also include FAQs and text information, detailing where you can locate last year’s AGI on your tax return. If returning users need additional assistance, our TaxCut Support Center (available by phone at 888-4TaxCut) will be able to retrieve the 2007 AGI information once they are provided with the correct security information.

Help from the IRS
The IRS is working on a path for taxpayers to obtain their prior year AGI and will have details on how to obtain prior year AGI information available on the IRS web site at www.irs.gov throughout tax season. The IRS will also have a special phone number/path for users to call to get their AGI information. The number is: 1.800.829.1040.

Be sure to check out the IRS video on how to retrieve your prior year AGI located on the Digits Community home page at www.digits.hrblock.com