This article covers the following topics:
What is a self-prepared form waiver?
In some cases, you may wish to prepare certain parts of your tax return yourself. TFX allows self-preparation of select forms — specifically those that are not submitted as part of your Form 1040 under our signature.
If you choose to self-prepare any eligible forms, you take full responsibility for their accuracy and submission to the IRS. TFX will not review self-prepared forms or provide advice beyond guidance on where to mail them. In this case, you will be required to sign an additional agreement with TFX called a waiver, which confirms that you are only requesting us to prepare a portion of your tax return.
❗ Important note: If you have self-prepared forms and have signed a waiver, your tax return cannot be e-filed. The only exception is if the sole self-prepared form is Form 8858.
Which tax forms can be self-prepared?
Not eligible for self-preparation
The following forms are not eligible for self-preparation: 8938 (FATCA), 8621, 5471, 8865, 4852, 8606 (if attached to the return), and any form or schedule that is an integral part of Form 1040 — filed under a single signature — cannot be self-prepared. This includes all attachments to Form 1040, which are covered by your signature. You can identify these forms by the "Form 1040" label in the upper left corner and an attachment sequence number in the upper right corner (for example, Schedule C and Schedule H).
This restriction also applies to schedules that are attachments to forms that are themselves attachments to Form 1040 (for example, Schedule J for Form 5471). There are a few exceptions to the rule that attachments to Form 1040 cannot be self-prepared. Check the list of allowed forms above.
Eligible for self-preparation: Waiver required
The following forms may be self-prepared (we won't check them for completeness and accuracy) and require a signed waiver:
FBARs for Streamlined Procedures (up to 6, if you already filed them with the U.S. Treasury)
Streamlined Procedures Certification Letters: Form 14653 and Form 14654
Eligible for self-preparation: No waiver required
The following forms may be self-prepared without a waiver, as they are not part of Form 1040 and are signed and filed separately: FBAR, 3520, 3520-A, 1041, 1065, 1120-S, 1120, 709, 926, 9465, W-7.
Note: State returns are filed separately and treated independently of your federal return. If you choose to opt out of having TFX prepare your state forms, they will simply be removed from your Engagement Letter. Please ensure you are aware of any state filing obligations that may still apply to you, as opting out does not eliminate your responsibility to file.
How to view and sign waivers
If you disagree with any of the forms listed on your Engagement Letter (EL), you can click "I have questions about the engagement letter" within the EL and request to opt out. If the form in question is eligible for self-preparation under our policy, the tax team will issue a waiver for you to review and sign.
Waivers must be electronically signed, just like engagement letters. To sign your waiver:
Log in to your TFX account and navigate to Engagement letters > Waivers > View & sign.
Review the contents of the agreement, then scroll to the bottom of the page and click the Digital Signature field.
Select the style of the signature and click Adopt signature.
Click Submit and email me the copy to confirm your signature and receive a copy by email.
How to download a signed waiver
You can download a PDF copy of any signed waiver at any time. To do so:
Navigate to Engagement letters > Waivers > View waiver.
Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the Download PDF copy of the self-prepared waiver button.
When prompted, choose where you'd like to save the file and click Save.