You are allowed to prepare the tax return, but both are required to sign, unless he is medically unfit to do so. Comment if that's the case to see how you can sign in his behalf.
You can still file it. The instructions below come from the IRS. If you e-file, you will only need to sign the 8879 form per the same instructions. You don't need to mail in the form or attach a statement, but would do so if the IRS asks for it. Please note:
If you file a joint return, both spouses must sign the return. If your spouse cannot sign because of a medical condition and requests that you sign the return, sign your spouse's name in the proper place, followed by the word "by" then your signature, followed by the word "husband" or "wife." Be sure to also sign in the regular space provided for your signature. Attach a statement that includes the form number of the return you're filing, the tax year, the reason your spouse cannot sign the return, and that your spouse has agreed to your signing for him or her. If you're the guardian for your spouse who is mentally incompetent, you may sign the return for your spouse as "guardian."
My wife is in a recovery facility,after several hospital stays, for sepsis and a broken shoulder, affecting her dominant left arm and hand. She is making very slow progress, due to overall weakness since the broken shoulder that occurred while at the rehab facility. For these reasons my wife is is not able to sign the tax returns. The rehab facility is in a lock-down, at this time and will be in this state at least through April.
Thank you for your assistance.
Herb K
My wife is in a recovery facility and is very weak and unable to sign any tax forms at this time. New York State requires that any New York State Tax return, prepared by Turbo Tax or other program,must be sent electronically. What procedure do I follow to meet the NYS requirements if I can't attach any forms or letter of my situation.
@Hekeckjr2 I am so sorry to hear about your difficult situation. For your tax return, there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to e-file. When you e-file, you do not need to send the signature pages to the IRS or the state of New York unless the agency asks you for them. And you can sign both of them with the instructions I quote above from the IRS. Just make sure you have a statement that describes your wife's condition at the time you sign the documents. I hope this information is helpful to you, and wish your wife a speedy recovery.