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taxmap/instr/i1040gi-020.htm#TXMP38d77352 Sign Your Return(p63)

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 77.

taxmap/instr/i1040gi-020.htm#TXMP63dc3aec Child's Return(p63)

If your child cannot sign the return, either parent can sign the child's name in the space provided. Then, enter By (your signature), parent for minor child.

taxmap/instr/i1040gi-020.htm#TXMP532dd384 Daytime Phone Number(p63)

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. If you answer 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 can enter either your or your spouse's daytime phone number.

taxmap/instr/i1040gi-020.htm#TXMP095cb876 Paid Preparer Must Sign Your Return(p63)

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.

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taxmap/instr/i1040gi-020.htm#TXMP5b43f9c1 Electronic Return Signatures!(p63)

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 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 2006 federal income tax return, if applicable. Do not use your AGI from an amended return (Form 1040X) or a math error correction made by IRS. AGI is the amount shown on your 2006 Form 1040, line 38; Form 1040A, line 21; or Form 1040EZ, line 4. If you do not have your 2006 income tax return, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to get a free transcript of your return. (If you filed electronically last year, you may use your prior year PIN to verify your identity instead of your prior year AGI. The prior year PIN is the five digit PIN you used to electronically sign your 2006 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 Security Administration by checking your annual social security statement.

If you are filing your return electronically using a tax practitioner, you are required to sign the return electronically. The practitioner will tell you how.

You cannot sign your return electronically (but can still file electronically) if you are not using a tax practitioner and you are a first-time filer under age 16 at the end of 2007 or if you are attaching or filing Form 1098-C, 3115, 3468 (if attachments are required), 4136 (if certificate or statement required), 5713, 8283 (if a statement is required for Section A or if Section B is completed), 8332 (or certain pages from a post-1984 decree or agreement), 8858, 8864 (if certification or statement required), 8885, Schedule D-1 (Form 1040) (if you elect not to include your transactions on the electronic STCGL or LTCGL records), or Worksheets 1 through 4 from Pub. 517 (or other statement showing the required information and computations).

For more details, visit  
www.irs.gov/efile and click on Individual Taxpayers.

taxmap/instr/i1040gi-020.htm#TXMP6ba6d5f0 Form 8453-OL.(p63)

Your return is not complete without your signature. If you are not filing through a tax practitioner and you are not eligible or choose not to sign your return with an electronic signature, you must complete, sign, and file Form 8453-OL.

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