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]

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

[pk · Accepted solution]

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.

[taxesAgain]

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?

[pk]

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