Establishing secure connection…Loading editor…Preparing document…

Tax Election Application

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

TAX ELECTION APPLICATION

Taxpayer Name:

Entity Type

Check the box that best describes the taxpayer for whom this election is submitted:

Individual / Sole Proprietor

C Corporation

S Corporation

Partnership

Trust / Estate

LLC

Other — specify below

Taxpayer Identification Number

Provide either the Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN). Do not provide both; leave the unused field blank.

Election Requested

Select the specific tax election being requested. Complete all supplemental information requested for the election chosen.

S Corporation Election (Section 1362) — attach shareholder consent and allocation schedule as required.

Change in Accounting Method or Period — provide description and proposed method.

Section 754 Election — attach computations and supporting schedules.

Section 179 Election — list assets and cost basis in the statement of facts.

Choice of Fiscal Year / Short-Year Return — explain fiscal year and reason.

Other Election — specify below.

Effective date for the election:    Tax year to which this election applies:

Statement of Facts and Supporting Information

Provide a concise factual narrative setting forth the circumstances that qualify the taxpayer for the election and any computations, schedules, or authority relied upon. If additional space is required, attach schedules and list attachments below.

Certification and Penalties

By signing below, the taxpayer certifies, under penalty of perjury, the following:

  1. The taxpayer is the individual or an authorized representative of the entity identified on this form and is authorized to make the election requested.
  2. The information contained in this application, including attached schedules and statements, is true, correct, and complete to the best of the taxpayer’s knowledge and belief.
  3. The taxpayer understands that the election, if accepted, will be binding for the period specified by applicable law and may affect the taxpayer’s reporting obligations for the election period and subsequent periods.
  4. The taxpayer acknowledges that false statements or willful omission of material information may subject the taxpayer to penalties under applicable law, including criminal penalties where appropriate.
  5. The taxpayer agrees to furnish additional information or documentation if required by tax authorities to determine the appropriateness or timing of the election.

Signature (Taxpayer)

Printed Name:

Title (if signing for an entity):

Telephone:

Signature:

Date:

Enter text✕

What a Tax Election Application Is and when it's used

A Tax Election Application is a formal request or declaration filed with tax authorities or a payer to choose a specific tax treatment for an entity, partnership, or asset. Examples include entity classification elections, S corporation elections, and certain accounting method or depreciation elections. The application typically identifies the taxpayer, specifies the election type and effective date, and includes supporting details and signatures from authorized parties. Proper completion determines tax reporting, filing schedules, withholding and potential eligibility for credits or special rules under federal and state tax law.

Why completing the Tax Election Application matters

Filing the correct election timely sets the taxpayer's tax status, affects liability and reporting requirements, and determines which rules and benefits apply. Accurate elections can prevent penalties, preserve tax attributes, and avoid costly retroactive adjustments.

Why completing the Tax Election Application matters

Typical people and organizations that prepare this application

The Tax Election Application is used by individuals, business owners, tax professionals, and payroll or accounting teams when a change in tax treatment is requested or required.

  • Tax professionals and CPAs who prepare and file elections on behalf of clients.
  • Business owners or corporate officers responsible for entity classification or payroll elections.
  • Payroll and HR departments handling withholding and reporting decisions for employees or contractors.

In many cases a licensed preparer files the election; however, authorized company officers can prepare and sign where permitted.

Who can sign and submit this application

Tax Preparer

A licensed CPA or enrolled agent acting under taxpayer authorization may complete and submit the election, sign where power of attorney or written authorization exists, and must retain client authorization documentation.

Business Officer

A corporate officer, partner, or authorized member may sign and submit elections that change entity tax classification or make company-level choices; ensure internal authority matches the election's signatory requirements.

Core elements included in a professional Tax Election Application

A complete application combines identification, election specifics, effective dates, supporting calculations, signatures, and required attachments so the election can be processed without delay.

Taxpayer identity

Full legal name, EIN or SSN, business address, and contact information to uniquely identify the filer and enable processing by the tax authority or payer.

Type of election

Clear statement of the specific election being made (for example, S corporation, partnership classification, accounting method), including legal form and statutory citation where applicable.

Effective date

The date the election should take effect, entered in MM/DD/YYYY format when required, and aligned with the tax year or reporting period in question.

Supporting details

Schedules, calculations, or attachments that demonstrate eligibility or the mechanics of the election, such as shareholder consents for an S election.

Authorized signature

Signature block for the authorized signatory, signer title, and signature date; include notarization or witness when the election's instructions require it.

Filing instructions

Mailing address, electronic submission details, or payer instructions that specify how and where to file the completed application.

Data and compliance items often required

Taxpayer ID: EIN or SSN
Legal name: Full registered name
Business address: Street, city, state, ZIP
Effective date: MM/DD/YYYY
Signatory title: Officer or agent
Supporting forms: Schedules or consents

Step-by-step: completing a Tax Election Application

Follow these sequential steps to prepare, verify, and submit an election to reduce processing errors and ensure timely acceptance.

  • 01
    Gather records: Collect IDs, EIN, prior returns, and supporting calculations.
  • 02
    Choose election: Confirm eligibility and select the exact election type.
  • 03
    Complete form: Fill fields, attach schedules, and verify dates and TINs.
  • 04
    Submit and retain: File per instructions and keep a copy with proof of filing.

Configuring an online workflow for the application

Set up form logic, authentication, and routing to match your organization's approval and recordkeeping needs before sending for signatures.

Field Configuration
Required fields Mark TIN, name, election type as mandatory
Conditional fields Show additional attachments when specific elections are chosen
Signer authentication Use email verification or stronger methods for sensitive elections
Retention policy Automatically save completed documents and audit trail

Where to file and typical routing paths

Elections are filed either with the IRS, state tax agency, or directly with a payer; choose the destination based on the election instructions.

  • IRS filing: Mail or e-file per the election form instructions
  • State tax agency: File if the election affects state tax status
  • Payer submission: Provide to payer when election affects withholding
  • Retain proof: Keep return receipt or confirmation for records

Digital signing and technical requirements

When sending the application electronically, verify file formats and signer authentication to meet legal and agency rules.

  • File formats: PDF, DOCX supported
  • Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, or stronger

Common filing windows and deadlines to watch

Deadlines vary by election type; some must be filed by a set date relative to the tax year while others are accepted upon request.

W-9 timing:

Provide when requested by payer; no fixed IRS deadline

1099-NEC:

Form 1099-NEC to recipients and IRS due by January 31

Individual return:

Form 1040 is due April 15 (extension to Oct 15 available)

FBAR:

FinCEN 114 due April 15 with automatic extension to Oct 15

S election window:

Many S elections are filed within 2 months and 15 days of tax year start

Key milestones in processing an election

Track these sequential milestones from preparation through acceptance and record retention to maintain compliance and defense in case of audit.

01

Preparation

Assemble documents, calculations, and consents before completing the application

02

Submission

File electronically or by mail according to the election's instructions

03

Acknowledgment

Receive confirmation or letter of acceptance from the authority

04

Recordkeeping

Store the filed application and audit trail for the required retention period

Penalties and common legal risks to avoid

Late filing: Penalty or denial
Incorrect TIN: Backup withholding risk
Intentional disregard: Severe uncapped penalty
Missing consent: Election rejection
Improper signature: Invalid filing
Insufficient retention: Cannot defend audit

eSignature vendor comparison for submitting Tax Election Applications

Common vendor options differ on price, trial offerings, bulk send and compliance features. signNow appears first for comparison purposes.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies Varies Varies Varies
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Varied Varied
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently asked questions about Tax Election Applications

Answers to common questions about signing, filing, corrections, notarization, and revocation based on typical U.S. practice and electronic submission considerations.


Need help? Contact support

be ready to get more
Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users