Spouse wants to sign for other spouse out of country

[BulldogTom]

Client is moving back to US from Japan. W is already here, hubby will not be back in time to sign tax return. They are trying to enroll children in school and need tax returns for scholarship awards. W wants to sign tax return for H. Is there a form in ATX that I can print for them or do they need to go to a lawyer to get a POA?

Thanks in advance.

Tom

Lodi, CA

[Margaret CPA in OH]

Is it possible to send electronic copy including 8879 to H to review, print 8879, sign and fax back? I have clients in several states that do that.

[BulldogTom]

Found my answer in the instructions for line 5 of form 2848. If a taxpayer is out of the country for 60 continuous days prior to the due date of the tax return, they can authorize a representative to sign their tax return.

From the instructions

Write a statement on line 5 that you are authorizing your representative to sign your income tax return pursuant to Regulations section 1.6012-1(a)(5) by reason of [enter the specific reason listed under (a), (b ), or ( c) under Authority to sign your return above].

Just in case some of you ever need this one.

Tom

Lodi, CA