topic Prepared my in-laws taxes - they are travelling. Return says "Self prepared". Can I put my name down as the Paid Preparer and sign? in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Prepared my in-laws taxes - they are travelling. Return says "Self prepared". Can I put my name down as the Paid Preparer and sign?

taxesAgain — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 17:32:57 GMT

They have a zero $ tax return and so it has to be mailed.

You cannot sign for them absent a written authorization f...

pk — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 17:32:57 GMT

You cannot sign for them absent a written authorization from them -- Power of Attorney.

You cannot sign as paid preparer using TurboTax and you need a PTIN issued by the IRS and there may be additional requirement from the State ( both education, bond, license # etc. )

If they do not owe anything why don't you just wait and file when they return --- there is no harm.

If they are away from the country then their filing date without extension is June 15th.

Thank you for the immediate very helpful response. A qui...

taxesAgain — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 17:32:58 GMT

Thank you for the immediate very helpful response. A quick followup: How do I or my in-laws let the IRS know that they are out of the country?

It is not essential but advisable to file a form 4868 --...

pk — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 17:32:59 GMT

It is not essential but advisable to file a form 4868 -- automatic extension request ( there is tick box for "out of country" taxpayer. TurboTax will handle it for you