Sign Your Return
Form 1040 is not considered a valid return unless you sign it. If you are filing a joint return, your spouse must also sign. If your spouse cannot sign the return, see Pub. 501. Be sure to date your return and enter your occupation(s). If you have someone prepare your return, you are still responsible for the correctness of the return. If your return is signed by a representative for you, you must have a power of attorney attached that specifically authorizes the representative to sign your return. To do this, you can use Form 2848. If you are filing a joint return as a surviving spouse, see Death of a Taxpayer on page 58.
Child´s Return
If your child cannot sign the return, either parent can sign the child´s name in the space provided. Then, add “By (your signature), parent for minor child.’
Providing your daytime phone number may help speed the processing of your return. We may have questions about items on your return, such as the earned income credit, credit for child and dependent care expenses, etc. By answering our questions over the phone, we may be able to continue processing your return without mailing you letter. If you are filing a joint return, you may enter either your or your spouse´s daytime phone number.
Paid Preparer Must Sign Your Return
Generally, anyone you pay to prepare your return must sign it in the space provided. The preparer must give you a copy of the return for your records. Someone who prepares your return but does not charge you should not sign your return.
Electronic Return Signatures!
Create your own personal identification number (PIN) and file a paperless return electronically or use a tax professional. If you are married filing jointly, you and your spouse will each need to create a PIN and enter these PINs as your electronic signaauthorization, tures.
A PIN is any combination of five digits you choose except five zeros. If you use a PIN, there is nothing to sign and nothing to mail—not even your Forms W-2.
To verify your identity, you will be prompted to enter your adjusted gross income (AGI) from your originally filed 2003 federal income tax return, if applicable. Do not use your AGI from an amended return (Form 1040X), a math error notice, or an IRS examination report. AGI is the amount shown on your 2003 Form 1040, line 35; Form 1040A, line 22; Form 1040EZ, line 4; or on the TeleFile Tax Record, line I. If you do not have your 2003 income tax return, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to get a free transcript of your return. You will also be prompted to enter your date of birth (DOB). Make sure your DOB is accurate and matches the information on record with the Social Securpenalty ity Administration by checking your annual social security statement.
You cannot sign your return electronically if you are a first-time filer under age 16 at the end of 2004 or if you are filing certain forms, such as Form 3115, 3468 (if attachments are required), 5713, 8283 (if Section B is completed), 8332, 8858, or .
For more details, visit www.irs.gov/efile and click on “ e-file for Individual Taxpayers.’
Forms 8453 and 8453-OL. Your return is not complete without your signature. If you are not eligible or choose not to sign your return electronically, you must complete, sign, and file Form 8453 or Form 8453-OL, whichever applies
If you use a paid preparer, ask to sign your return electronically!
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