Form 8879

[Edward]

Have military client that deployed to the combat zone in Jul 2011. Just finished his 1040 and he's getting a refund. Just wondered how and when I need to get his signature on the 8879? Do we have to mail to him to get the signature or would the parents need a POA to do such? thanks....

[Margaret CPA in OH]

If he, as so many now in the military, has email access and can print, fax, scan or email back, you can send him a copy of the return including the 8879 so he can sign and return it himself. I have several out of state clients and one in Switzerland and it works for us. He should return the signed form also encrypted or fax to you, though.

It may be that a parent already has POA for such things. As he was going to a combat zone, it might have been one of those covered items prior to deployment.

[Edward]

Thanks Margaret - you're right, parents got the POA as part of the deployment processing. I had asked his mother and she didn't think that was the case, but later talked to his father and it was affirmative..