We analyze the second-class current decays τ − → π − η ( ) ν τ in the framework of Chiral Perturbation Theory with resonances. Taking into account π 0 -η-η mixing, the π − η ( ) vector form factor is extracted, in a model-independent way, using existing data on the π − π 0 one. For the participant scalar form factor, we have considered different parameterizations ordered according to their increasing fulfillment of analyticity and unitarity constraints. We start with a Breit-Wigner parameterization dominated by the a 0 (980) scalar resonance and after we include its excited state, the a 0 (1450). We follow by an elastic dispersion relation representation through the Omnès integral. Then, we illustrate a method to derive a closed-form expression for the π − η, π − η (and K − K 0 ) scalar form factors in a coupled-channels treatment. Finally, predictions for the branching ratios and spectra are discussed emphasizing the error analysis. An interesting result of this study is that both τ − → π − η ( ) ν τ decay channels are promising for the soon discovery of second-class currents at Belle-II. We also predict the relevant observables for the partner η ( ) 3 decays, which are extremely suppressed in the Standard Model. * rescriba@ifae.es † sgonzalez@ifae.cat ‡ proig@fis.cinvestav.mx 1 arXiv:1601.03989v2 [hep-ph]