Thanks for the POA suggestion. I see that the POA can be signed by a guardian, but it seems odd to have a POA signed by a guardian in order to grant the same guardian POA access, which is probably not one of the original intents.
For what it's worth, I used the CA FTB's online chat feature and a representative stated the following to me:
If a child has to file a tax return but cannot sign the return, the child's parent, guardian, or another legally responsible person must sign the child's name, followed by the words: By (signature), parent (or guardian) for minor child.
I'm not sure if this statement is being quoted verbatim from some official document, but it's basically the same guideline that the IRS provides. So I'm going to follow this. Some other friends and family have also given me the same informal advice.
I just wish this was stated clearly somewhere in some easily found official document. I could not find anything on this subject from an official or un-official source searching using google. Does anyone know if this matter is stated clearly for any other state's filing instructions?
