Per the IRS form 1040 instructions page 76
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040gi.pdf
If your return is signed by
a representative for you, you must have
a power of attorney attached that specifically
authorizes the representative to
sign your return. To do this, you can use
Form 2848.
Please note: You submit a POA and a 2848 to the IRS. They will issue you a CAF Centralized Authorization Number which will identify you when you sign any Tax Forms and therefore you don't have to submit a POA/2848 with your taxes. Now I got to this because, I am trying to figure out how to E File with a CAF ??and that led me to this query.
@mjpb52 You would have to manually write that on the signature line or 3rd party designee line on a printed return. As stated above, there is no way for a personal representative to sign an electronic return - that can only be done on paper.
Suggest that you read IRS Pub 559 (Survivors, Executors, and Administrators) for a lot of good information about filing the final return and estate return and other requirements.
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p559.pdf">https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p559.pdf</a>