Drake Tax - 1040: Taxpayer Signing Return for Spouse

Taxpayer signing a MFJ return for a spouse

Publication 17 describes when a taxpayer can sign a Married Filing Jointly (MFJ) return for a spouse (see "Signing a joint return" in "Filing Status" under "Married Filing Jointly"):

• Spouse died before signing (see Drake Tax - 1040: Joint Return with Deceased Taxpayer)

• Spouse away from home

• Injury or disease prevents spouse from signing

• Taxpayer is guardian of mentally incompetent spouse

• Spouse is in a combat zone

• Spouse cannot sign for other reasons

In some cases, a statement is required. For this purpose, use the MISC screen (on the Miscellaneous tab).

1. Select Taxpayer is signing for the spouse and a statement is required (in the Special Signatures section).

2. Select the SCH link to create the required explanatory statement. Select 024 – Spouse Signature – Form 1040 from the drop list for Type of attachment/statement number and title.