n-00-19.pdf

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Part III - Administrative, Procedural, and Miscellaneous
Interim Waiver of Signature Requirement for Form SS-4
Notice 2000-19
PURPOSE
This notice informs taxpayers that the Internal Revenue Service is temporarily
waiving the signature requirement for Form SS-4, Application for Employer
Identification Number, as authorized by § 6061(b)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code.
BACKGROUND
Section 6061(a) generally provides that any return, statement, or other
document required to be made under any provision of the internal revenue laws or
regulations must be signed in accordance with forms or regulations prescribed by the
Secretary of the Treasury.
Section 6061(b)(1) requires the Secretary to develop procedures for accepting
signatures in digital or other electronic form. Until such time as these procedures are in
place, § 6061(b)(1)(A) authorizes the Secretary to waive the requirement of a signature
for a particular type or class of return, declaration, statement, or other document
required or permitted to be made under the Code.
Section 6061(b)(3) requires that the Secretary define and implement any waiver
of the signature requirements through appropriate published guidance.
Section 6109(a) provides, in part, that when required by regulations, any person

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required to make a return, statement, or other document must include in such return,
statement, or other document such identifying number as may be prescribed for
securing proper identification of such person.
Section 301.6109-1(a)(1)(ii)(C) of the Regulations on Procedure and
Administration provides that any person other than an individual (such as a corporation,
partnership, nonprofit association, trust, estate, or similar nonindividual person) that is
required to furnish a taxpayer identifying number must use an employer identification
number (EIN).
Section 301.6109-1(d)(2)(i) provides that any person required to furnish an EIN
must apply for one on Form SS-4. The form, together with any supplementary
statement, must be prepared and filed in accordance with the form, accompanying
instructions, and relevant regulations, and must set forth fully and clearly the requested
data. Form SS-4 requires the applicant to sign the form and verify by a written
declaration that it is made under penalties of perjury.
REASONS FOR SIGNATURE WAIVER FOR FORM SS-4
The Service is exploring methods of filing Form SS-4 other than on paper, such
as magnetic media and other electronic means. As these alternative methods of filing
Form SS-4 evolve, the Service intends to provide procedures for accepting signatures
in digital or other electronic form. Until such time as these procedures are in place, the
Service is waiving the requirement under § 6061(a) that taxpayers sign Form SS-4.
This waiver applies to Forms SS-4 currently filed on paper, as well as to Forms SS-4
that eventually may be filed through electronic means. However, because this waiver is

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only temporary, the Service does not intend to remove the signature line from the paper
version of Form SS-4.
EFFECTIVE DATE
This Notice is effective for Forms SS-4 filed on or after March 13, 2000.
DRAFTING INFORMATION
The principal author of this notice is Andrew J. Keyso of the Office of the
Assistant Chief Counsel (Income Tax and Accounting). For further information
regarding this notice contact Mr. Keyso at (202) 622-4910 (not a toll-free call).