e-file signature when a poa is needed

Forum|Forum|5 years ago
March 9, 2021
2 replies
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I want to e-file for my mom and I have power of attorney, what do I actually put on the signature line of her federal tax form? My name? Her name? Nothing?

I do not want to print the tax forms and mail them by post office - I want to e-file and pay what she owes on-line.

I understand that I need to fill out 2848 and 8453 and attach the POA and mail it in, but what do I actually sign the federal tax form with??

Mike9241

Level 15

there is no signature on an e-file return POA or not. you need to follow the 8453 filing instructions - it gets mailed with the POA.

lindsey11Author

Level 2

On my own federal form, right before I e-file it, Turbo Tax assigns me a number, makes me enter driver's license data and fills in "self-prepared." Are you saying that this is not the same as an electronic signature? Don't I need to indicate that I filled out the forms because I have a POA?

lindsey11Author

Level 2

I have not received a reply to my questions. Can someone help me?

I am preparing a federal (and state) return for my mom. I have her POA.

I understand about sending in the 2848 and 8453 forms.

I want to e-file.

What are the turbo tax steps that I need to take to properly identify who is filing out these forms?

If I e-file, I will be asked to enter my mom's driver's license information. Isn't this to prove who is preparing the return? She is not preparing it, as she is 91 years old and can't truly understand the subject.

I understand that no one actually physically signs an e-filed return. But something is generated to complete the process and it seems like if I continue to fill out the turbo tax screens, it will appear as if she is doing her own taxes and this is not the case.

DanielV01

Level 15

You will sign the electronic signature itself as if you were doing your own tax return. After you e-file, you will then need to mail in the Form 8453 along with either the Form 2848 or a copy of your official POA that establishes your authority to have signed on behalf of the individual.

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jpb44

Level 2

Thank you. Would this mean that I would sign the return electronically in the name of the actual taxpayer or myself? The reason I ask is that turbotax when e-filing will ask for certain information about the actual taxpayer such as drivers license# etc. that would need to be provided.

lindsey11Author

Level 2

I couldn't figure out how to sign it in turbo tax using my PIN.

So I signed it as if my mom filled it out. I have no idea if that was the correct thing to do, but turbo tax didn't let me do anything else when e-filing. I could have printed it out, but then, of course, I couldn't e-file it.