filing for someone else

[Bobbyd313]

I have Turbo Tax downloaded to my lap top.  This I believe allows 5 different returns to be done.  I completed my son's return.  Is there a way to electronically send it to him to sign and e-file?

[DoninGA]

You can only e-file the tax return using the TurboTax software.  If you have entered a 5 digit self select PIN and the 2021 AGI on his return in the File section of the program, those are his electronic signature.  An e-filed tax return does not require a physical signature on the tax return.

[Bobbyd313]

Thank you for the reply.  I understand no physical signature is required.  I can certainly submit it for him, but if I wanted him to review it and submit it himself, is there a way to send him the file, for instance, if he had Turbo Tax online or downloaded on his computer?  I'm doing it for him this year but plan to hand it off to him next year.  Just trying to keep him involved in the process so he learns a little about the process.

[DoninGA]

He would need to have one of the 2022 desktop CD/Download editions installed on a personal computer to e-file the 2022 tax return.

You can send him the tax data file for his return.  It is stored, by default, in the TurboTax folder within the Documents directory.  It will have a file extension of .tax2022

After receiving the tax data file he would need to open the data file.  Clicking on the File menu at the top left of the desktop program screen and then on Open Tax Return he can browse to the location of the data file.

[Bobbyd313]

Perfect.  That's exactly the info I was looking for.  Thanks again!

[excusemeisthisearth]

I have the same situation but with two sons.  the one who lives at home has to sit at the computer with me if he wants his refund.  The one who doesn't live at home has to suffer through it via Zoom where i just share the screen and we go through it.  Their returns are pretty simple so we use Turbo Tax to file electronically for Federal but then for the state they go to our state government website, fill out the online return and submit it there.  that saves $50 in state filing fees.  (Sorry, TurboTax.)  I have the state add on for my return anyway so we use it to figure out what their state returns should look like, but then they just use them as a guide for what to type in on the state website.