<p>My parents do not have the original form where they signed their tax return the tax agency didn't copy that page for them. When a college or the IDOC asks for a SIGNED tax return, is it okay if my parents just sign the top of the first page of the tax return? </p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Just sign it in the box where they would have signed it in the first place. We do ours online so they are not signed when submitted to the IRS. When we copy them off when we are verified we just sign them in the box where it says "Sign here". Near the bottom of the 2nd page on a 1040 or 1040A, 1st page of a 1040ez.</p>
<p>Are you saying that you are missing the entire page and all of the data that should be on it? Go back to the tax agency and ask them to reprint from their files.</p>
<p>You also can get a copy from the IRS, but I don't know how long that will take. The last time I had to ask them for one was in a previous century.</p>
<p>Thank you both for your responses.</p>
<p>On the signature line on page 2 on the 1040 form (this is a copy of the return they filed), it says:</p>
<p>"For info only-Do not file" (This is typed, not hand-written). </p>
<p>so I'm guessing they signed somewhere else or signed on the original form but the tax person made a separate copy, where he placed "for info only - do not file" in the line. </p>
<p>I guess I'll just have them sign the first page. Not sure what else I could do.</p>
<p>Once again, thank you both for your responses!</p>
<p>My guess is the tax return preparer "e-filed" the return on behalf of your parents. The efiling authorization is still a signature, so yes, have your parents sign the copy and send in.</p>
<p>
[quote]
On the signature line on page 2 on the 1040 form (this is a copy of the return they filed), it says:</p>
<p>"For info only-Do not file" (This is typed, not hand-written).
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Sign over the "for info only-do not file"</p>
<p>similar question,</p>
<p>does the preparer need to sign it?</p>
<p>So it's okay to sign a copy that wasn't originally signed because you e-filed? Or would it be better to include the e-file signature authorization page?</p>
<p>We were verified for four years...had to send returns. We also had to send them to the colleges when kids were freshmen. We e-file...and always have. We just made a copy of the one WE had printed out and signed in the very same spot (bottom of page two of the 1040) that we WOULD have signed on had we mailed the return. Just sign there...</p>
<p>
[quote]
does the preparer need to sign it?
[/quote]
No. Only the IRS cares about that.</p>
<p>
[quote]
So it's okay to sign a copy that wasn't originally signed because you e-filed? Or would it be better to include the e-file signature authorization page?
[/quote]
Just sign where you would have. Skip the e-file signature authorization page.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info. This whole process is intimidating to first timers but really is pretty straightforward once you get going.</p>
<p>Excuse me for butting in, but um, do you have to sign the w2 form as well?thanks.</p>
<p>No you don't sign W-2 forms. BUT we made copies of everything. At the top of EACH page, we put our kid's name, address and phone number. If we had been assigned a student ID, we put that as well. We may have even put the SS number of our kid (I know with the first one we did as that was used as his ID number until he matriculated). </p>
<p>I would suggest that you put YOUR kid's identifying information at the top of ALL pages you are sending.</p>
Do we also have to write the date next to the signature, if it was left blank? Or do they care about JUST the signature? If they want the date, do we write the current one or when the date the preparer indicated next to his signature?
(I know this is an old thread but I didn’t want to make a new one just for this question)
You are better off starting a new thread.
You put the date the return was actually filed. At least that is what we always did. But then…when we filed electronically, we always printed out a copy immediately for our files, And signed and dated it…then.
Please use old thread for information purposes only. Closing thread