How do you sign a tax return for a minor when e-filing?

[CDJohnK · Accepted solution]

I have found a couple articles related to how to sign for a minor. It appears that a minor should sign for themselves if they have generated an income and are filing on their own, but that the parent should be responsible for anything related to the parents' return.

https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc301.html

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/IRS-Tax-Return/Tax-Filing-Requirements-for-Children/I...

Please let us know if this helps.

[Black-Scholes-123]

Thanks.  My son has only unearned income (dividends & interest) and is not ready to assume responsibility for his return.  It appears the easiest thing to do is file a paper return and sign per the instructions in the IRS link.

[CDJohnK]

That sounds like the best course of action. Let me know if our answer helped.

[Styg88]

Intuit/TurboTax does not appear to have thought about this.

    IRS does say that the minor should sign their own tax return if able. If they can't write, then a parent or guardian can sign. But even a 2 year old can click the "Submit" button on a screen, which is effectively "signing" an electronic return.

     One approach would be to complete the tax return as if the child were filing it themselves. Then go into Forms mode and find the Info Wks, under Part V, and add yourself as a Third Party authorized to discuss the return with the IRS. 

     When e-filing, TurboTax will ask for a driver's license or state ID. Use the minor's ID if they have one; or select the option that says that the taxpayer doesn't have a driver's license or state ID. 

     Finally, have the minor present to click "Submit" when the return is e-filed.

     I think this method is acceptable, but would certainly like to hear what a tax expert or the IRS thinks.