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 you are filing a joint
return as a surviving spouse, see Death of a Taxpayer
on page 61.
Child’s
Return
If your child cannot sign the return, either parent may 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 a 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
signatures.
A PIN is any combination of five numbers 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. For more details on the Self-Select PIN method, visit
www.irs.gov/efile and click on “IRS
e-file for Individual Taxpayers.”
To verify your identity, you will be prompted to enter your
adjusted gross income (AGI) from your originally
filed 2002 Federal income tax return, if applicable. Do not
use your AGI from an amended return (Form 1040X). AGI is the
amount shown on your 2002 Form 1040, line 35; Form 1040A,
line 21; Form 1040EZ, line 4; or on the TeleFile Tax Record,
line I. If you do not have your 2002 income tax return, call
the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to get a free transcript
of your account. 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 Security 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 2003
or if you are filing Form
3115, 3468 (if
attachments are required), 5713,
8283 (if Section B
is completed), 8332,
or 8885.
If you use a paid preparer, ask to sign your return electronically!
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