efiling for a 12 year old

This is the second year my grandson has to file a tax return just to pay self employment tax. Last year we sent in a paper return with no issues.

2025 TurboTax says all the calculations and forms are correct. The boy does not have a drivers license nor a passport. We selected 'no ID' and the Feds rejected the return saying 'The IRS couldn't confirm your identify'.

Should we efile using the fathers identification information?

Does the boy have to continue to submit paper forms until he is old enough to get a drivers license?

328

Level 15

Feb 23, 2026 12:51:45 PM

A person must be age 16 or older to e-fie a tax return. Since he is 12 the tax return has to be printed and mailed.

Level 15

Feb 23, 2026 12:52:35 PM

He is too young to e-file. It is not based on having a driver's license, although it is based on age. Until he is at least 16, his returns will have to be filed by mail. Print it, have him sign and date it in ink, and mail the return in.

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efiling for a 12 year old