Filing on behalf of my Mom who has dementia

[OThBACeIVAs]

My Mom has dementia and this year can't file on her own.  I am her power of attorney.  Can I file on her behalf?  If so, would I do that through a different TurboTax account I create in her name?

[Cynthiad66 · Accepted solution]

Yes.  Just use the regular TurboTax to e-file.   With a Power of Attorney, you need to complete and send Form 8453 ( See http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8453.pdf  ) with Form 2848* to the IRS within 3 business days after your e-file is accepted.

[meex]

I have the same issue with my mother-in-law, and my husband has POA. If we create an account in her name, will the POA be able to e-sign the return? Or does the e-signature default to the taxpayer's name?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[IsabellaG]

Yes, you would sign as if you were the taxpayer, and proceed to e-file it. The signature will default to the taxpayer's, but within three days of receiving acknowledgement that the return was accepted, send the completed Form 8453, along with the Power of Attorney, to 

 Internal Revenue Service

 Attn: Shipping and Receiving

 0254 Receipt and Control Branch 

 Austin, TX 73344-0254

That way you will show that you have the authority to act for the taxpayer.