Fill out Form 8453 (U.S. Individual Income Tax Transmittal for an IRS e-file Return) online
Form 8453 is used to transmit certain paper documents that must accompany an electronically filed individual income tax return. When specific forms or supporting statements cannot be included in the electronic submission, they are mailed to the IRS with Form 8453 as the cover sheet.
How to fill out Form 8453 (U.S. Individual Income Tax Transmittal for an IRS e-file Return)
Determine which documents require paper transmittal
Review the list of documents on Form 8453 that must be mailed separately when e-filing. Common attachments include Form 2848, Form 8332, certain election statements, and documents requiring original signatures.
Enter taxpayer information
Fill in your name, address, and Social Security number at the top of the form. If filing jointly, include your spouse name and SSN as well.
Check the boxes for attached documents
On the form, check the box next to each type of document you are attaching. Only check boxes for documents you are actually including with the transmittal.
Sign and mail within three business days
Sign and date the form. Attach all required supporting documents and mail the package to the IRS address in the instructions within three business days of receiving the e-file acceptance acknowledgment.
About Form 8453 (U.S. Individual Income Tax Transmittal for an IRS e-file Return)
Who needs this form
Taxpayers who e-file their federal income tax return but need to submit supporting paper documents to the IRS, such as Form 2848 (Power of Attorney), Form 8332 (Release/Revocation of Release of Claim to Exemption), certain election statements, or documents with original signatures that cannot be transmitted electronically.
Where to submit
Mail Form 8453 with the required attachments to the IRS address specified in the form instructions within three business days after receiving acknowledgment that the electronic return was accepted.
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-24
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mailing documents that can be included in the electronic return (only send items specifically listed on Form 8453)
- Not mailing the form within three business days of the electronic return being accepted by the IRS
- Forgetting to check the boxes indicating which documents are attached to the transmittal
- Sending the entire tax return on paper when only the specific supporting documents are needed
Frequently asked questions
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Do I need to send my entire tax return with Form 8453?
No. Form 8453 is only a transmittal cover sheet for specific paper documents that cannot be included in the electronic return. Your tax return has already been submitted electronically. Only attach the specific documents listed on Form 8453 that are checked off on the form. Do not include a copy of your e-filed return.
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