My spouse and I will be filing an original joint Form 1040 series tax return. Can we file our return electronically?

Yes, you and your spouse can file your original joint Form 1040 series tax return electronically.

To file your return electronically, you must sign the return electronically using a personal identification number (PIN). There are two methods to do this: the Self-Select PIN method and the Practitioner PIN method.

1. Self-Select PIN Method:
   • You and your spouse will each need to create a PIN and enter these PINs as your electronic signatures. A PIN is any combination of five digits you choose except five zeros.
   • If you filed electronically last year, you may use your prior-year PIN to verify your identity instead of your prior-year adjusted gross income (AGI).
2. Practitioner PIN Method:
   • You can authorize your tax practitioner to enter or generate your PIN. Your electronic return is considered a validly signed return only when it includes your PIN, last name, date of birth, and IP PIN (if applicable). If filing jointly, your electronic return must also include your spouse's PIN, last name, date of birth, and IP PIN (if applicable).

Additionally, if you have been issued an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN), all six digits of your IP PIN must appear in the IP PIN spaces provided next to the space for your occupation for your electronic signature to be complete.

Electronic filing is a fast, easy, and convenient way to file your tax return using your personal computer with Internet access and tax preparation software. You can e-file from the comfort of your home 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If your adjusted gross income (AGI) is less than a certain amount, you are eligible for Free File, a free tax software service offered by IRS partners, to prepare and e-file your return for free. If your income is over the amount, you are still eligible for Free File Fillable Forms, an electronic version of IRS paper forms.

In summary, you and your spouse can file your original joint Form 1040 series tax return electronically by following the appropriate steps for electronic signatures and utilizing the available electronic filing options.

Sources:
Publication 17 (2023)
1040 (2023)
Instructions for Form 1040-SS (2023)
Instructions for Form 8857 (06/2021)
Publication 501 (2023)
2023 Instructions for Schedule C (2023)
Instructions for Form 1040-X (01/2023)