Who must file Form 8948?

Any paid tax preparer who is required to e‑file but cannot do so for an approved reason must attach Form 8948 to the paper return.

Can I use Form 8948 for a personal return I file myself?

No. Form 8948 is only for paid preparers. Individual taxpayers who choose to file on paper do not need this form.

What is the difference between the "taxpayer chose paper" box and the "hardship waiver" box?

The taxpayer‑chosen box indicates the client elected a paper return, which is not a valid reason under IRS rules. The hardship waiver box is used when the preparer has an approved waiver from the IRS.

Do I need to mail Form 8948 separately?

No. Form 8948 must be attached to the front of the paper return before mailing it to the IRS.

Is an electronic signature accepted on Form 8948?

Yes. The IRS allows an electronic signature when the form is completed using a certified e‑signature solution like Formize.

Where can I find the official PDF for Form 8948?

The official, up‑to‑date PDF is available from the IRS at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8948.pdf.

What should I do if I select the wrong reason on Form 8948?

Correct the mistake before attaching the form. An incorrect reason can cause the entire return to be rejected by the IRS.

IRS Form 8948 – Preparer Explanation for Not Filing Electronically (Fillable PDF)

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IRS Form 8948 – Preparer Explanation for Not Filing Electronically (Fillable PDF)

Form 8948, officially titled Preparer Explanation for Not Filing Electronically, is a one‑page IRS form that tax preparers must attach to a paper‑filed return when the electronic filing requirement cannot be met. The form provides a brief, standardized explanation for the paper‑filing exception.

What Is Form 8948?

The form captures basic taxpayer information, the preparer’s PTIN, and the specific reason why the return is being filed on paper instead of through the IRS e‑file system. It is required for most paid preparers who are otherwise obligated to e‑file.

When and Why Is Form 8948 Required?

The preparer received an approved e‑file hardship waiver.
The taxpayer elected to file a paper return.
The preparer’s software does not support a required schedule or form.
The preparer faced repeated, unresolvable e‑file rejections.
Religious or other qualifying exemptions prevent electronic filing.

If none of these exceptions apply, the preparer must file the return electronically.

How to Complete Form 8948 Online

With Formize you can fill out Form 8948 directly in your browser—no PDF editor needed. Follow these simple steps:

Click the "Fill out this form" button on this page.
The Formize PDF Filler app loads instantly.
Select each highlighted field and type the required data (taxpayer name, SSN/TIN, tax year, preparer PTIN, and the applicable reason).
Use the drop‑down menus to choose the correct exemption code.
Review the completed form, add an electronic signature if required, and click Submit or Download for your records.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Leaving the reason box unchecked: The IRS will reject the return.
Using the taxpayer’s choice box incorrectly: Form 8948 is not a "taxpayer choice" statement.
Missing the preparer’s PTIN: Every paid preparer must include a valid PTIN.
Incorrect tax year: Verify the year matches the return you are filing.

Download & Print Options

If you prefer a hard‑copy version, you can download the official PDF below. The file is the same document used by the IRS and is fully fillable when opened in a PDF editor.

Download IRS Form 8948 (PDF)

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FAQ

Who must file Form 8948?
Any paid tax preparer who is required to e‑file but cannot do so for an approved reason must attach Form 8948 to the paper return.
Can I use Form 8948 for a personal return I file myself?
No. Form 8948 is only for paid preparers. Individual taxpayers who choose to file on paper do not need this form.
What is the difference between the "taxpayer chose paper" box and the "hardship waiver" box?
The taxpayer‑chosen box indicates the client elected a paper return, which is not a valid reason under IRS rules. The hardship waiver box is used when the preparer has an approved waiver from the IRS.
Do I need to mail Form 8948 separately?
No. Form 8948 must be attached to the front of the paper return before mailing it to the IRS.
Is an electronic signature accepted on Form 8948?
Yes. The IRS allows an electronic signature when the form is completed using a certified e‑signature solution like Formize.
Where can I find the official PDF for Form 8948?
The official, up‑to‑date PDF is available from the IRS at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8948.pdf.
What should I do if I select the wrong reason on Form 8948?
Correct the mistake before attaching the form. An incorrect reason can cause the entire return to be rejected by the IRS.

HOW TO

How to fill out Form 8948 for free, online in 4 easy steps:

1
Open the Fillable Form
Click the "Fill out this form" button on the page to launch the Formize PDF Filler.
2
Enter Your Information
Select each highlighted field and type the required data – taxpayer name, SSN/TIN, tax year, preparer PTIN, and the reason for paper filing.
3
Review and Sign
Check all entries for accuracy, add an electronic signature if needed, and confirm the selected exemption code.
4
Save or Submit
Click "Download" to save a copy for your records or "Submit" to attach the form to your paper return.

ABOUT

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Forms

Form 8948 is one of the official tax forms used in the United States to report income, claim deductions and credits, calculate tax liability, and fulfill other tax-related obligations. The IRS is the federal agency responsible for administering and enforcing the internal revenue laws in the United States.

Here are some examples of Internal Revenue Service forms:

Form 1040: This is the primary individual income tax return form used by most taxpayers. It is used to report various types of income, claim deductions and credits, calculate tax liability, and determine whether a taxpayer owes additional tax or is entitled to a refund.

Form 1099: There are different variations of Form 1099, such as 1099-MISC, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, etc. These forms are used to report income received by individuals or businesses from various sources other than employment, such as self-employment income, interest income, dividend income, and rental income.

Form W-2: This form is used by employers to report wages paid to employees and the taxes withheld from their pay. Employees use the information on Form W-2 to complete their individual tax returns.

Form 941: Employers use this form to report employment taxes, including federal income tax withheld, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax, for their employees.

Form 1065: This form is used by partnerships to report their income, deductions, and tax liability. Partnerships themselves do not pay income tax; instead, the partners report their share of partnership income on their individual tax returns.

Form 1120: This is the corporate income tax return form used by C corporations to report their income, deductions, and tax liability.

Form 990: This form is used by tax-exempt organizations, such as nonprofits and charities, to report their financial information, activities, and compliance with tax laws.

Form 8862: This form is used by taxpayers who previously claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) but had it disallowed, and now want to claim it again.

These are just a few examples of the numerous IRS forms that exist to fulfill various tax-related obligations. The specific forms required for an individual or business depend on their unique circumstances, income sources, and deductions. It's advisable to consult the official website of the Internal Revenue Service (www.irs.gov) or seek professional tax advice to obtain accurate and up-to-date information regarding the specific IRS forms relevant to your tax situation.

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