Supporting Statement

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

(Form 8879-EX)

1. CIRCUMSTANCES NECESSITATING COLLECTION OF INFORMATION

The Form 8879-EX, IRS e-file Signature Authorization for Forms 720, 2990, and 8849, will be used in the Modernized e-File program. Form 8879-EX authorizes an a taxpayer and an electronic return originator (ERO) to use a personal identification number (PIN) to electronically sign an electronic excise tax return and, if applicable, authorize an electronic funds withdrawal.

The authority to e-file Form 2290 is Internal Revenue Code section 4481(e), as added by section 867(c) of P.L. 108-357.

There is no legal authority to file Forms 720 and 8849 electronically. Instead, they were recently added to Modernized e-File to meet the stated Congressional policy that paperless filing is the preferred and most convenient means of filing Federal tax and information returns.

2. USE OF DATA

The form is an integral part of the Modernized e-File program of the Internal Revenue Service. It will enable a taxpayer and an electronic return originator (ERO) to use a personal identification number (PIN) to electronically sign an electronic excise tax return and, if applicable, authorize an electronic funds withdrawal.

3. USE OF IMPROVED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TO REDUCE BURDEN

This form is not intended to be electronically filed. It is to be retained by the Electronic Return Originator (ERO) for a period of 3 years from the return due date or IRS received date, whichever is later.

4. EFFORTS TO IDENTIFY DUPLICATION

We have attempted to eliminate duplication within the agency wherever possible.

5. METHODS TO MINIMIZE BURDEN ON SMALL BUSINESSES OR OTHER SMALL ENTITIES

Not applicable.

6. CONSEQUENCES OF LESS FREQUENT COLLECTION ON FEDERAL PROGRAMS OR POLICY ACTIVITIES

Not applicable.

7. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRING DATA COLLECTION TO BE INCONSISTENT WITH GUIDELINES IN 5 CFR 1320.5(d)(2)

Not applicable.

8. CONSULTATION WITH INDIVIDUALS OUTSIDE OF THE AGENCY ON AVAILABILITY OF DATA, FREQUENCY OF COLLECTION, CLARITY OF INSTRUCTIONS AND FORMS, AND DATA ELEMENTS

Periodic meetings are held between IRS personnel and representatives of the American Bar Association, the National Society of Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and other professional groups to discuss tax law and tax forms. During these meetings, there is an opportunity for those attending to make comments regarding Form 8879-EX.

In response to the Federal Register notice dated September 16, 2010 (75 FR 56656), we received no comments during the comment period regarding Form 8879-EX.

9. EXPLANATION OF DECISION TO PROVIDE ANY PAYMENT OR GIFT TO RESPONDENTS

Not applicable.

10. ASSURANCE OF CONFIDENTIALITY OF RESPONSES

Generally, tax returns and tax return information are confidential as required by 26 USC 6103.

11. JUSTIFICATION OF SENSITIVE QUESTIONS

Not applicable.

12. ESTIMATED BURDEN OF INFORMATION COLLECTION

The burden estimate is as follows:

Number of Time per Total

Form Responses Response Hours

8879-EX 15,000 3.12 46,800

Estimates of the annualized cost to respondents for the hour burdens shown are not available at this time.

13. ESTIMATED TOTAL ANNUAL COST BURDEN TO RESPONDENTS

As suggested by OMB, our Federal Register notice dated September 16, 2010, requested public comments on estimates of cost burden that are not captured in the estimates of burden hours, i.e., estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information. However, we did not receive any response from taxpayers on this subject. As a result, estimates of the cost burdens are not available at this time.

14. ESTIMATED ANNUALIZED COST TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

The costs are minimal. This product will only be available electronically.

15. REASONS FOR CHANGE IN BURDEN

Not applicable.

16. PLANS FOR TABULATION, STATISTICAL ANALYSIS AND PUBLICATION

Not applicable.

17. REASONS WHY DISPLAYING THE OMB EXPIRATION DATE IS INAPPROPRIATE

See attachment.

18. EXCEPTIONS TO THE CERTIFICATION STATEMENT ON OMB FORM 83-I

Not applicable.

Note: The following paragraph applies to all of the collections of information in this submission:

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a valid OMB control number. Books or records relating to a collection of information must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any internal revenue law. Generally, tax returns and tax return information are confidential, as required by 26 U.S.C. 6103.

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