Can a husband forge his wife's signature on a joint tax return?

Question

I'm sure it is not legal. What avenues can be taken to inquire whether tax returns were filed in your name without your knowledge?

Answer 1

This is like asking if you can shoot someone. Sure, but not legally.

Answer 2

You're right, its not legal. Being married does not give someone the legal right to sign ANY document on behalf of their spouse.



ALL tax returns must be signed, and in the case of joint returns, they must be signed by both parties. Returns filed electronically can use an electronic signature, but this is still considered a signature and both people on a joint return must agree to it before its submitted. If one spouse submits the return without permission from the other spouse, it can be considered tax fraud.



If you suspect that your ex-husband, or separated husband is (or has been) filling joint returns with your name and SS# without your permission, then there's a simple way to find out. Call the IRS and request a transcript for each year of your taxes that you suspect a problem occurred. This is completely free. The transcript won't show your actual tax return forms, but it has a summary of all the relevant info that was filed with your SS#. If your SS# was not used on a tax return in a year, the IRS will simply tell you they don't have a return for you from that year.

Answer 3

It's illegal to forge anyone's name on any document. You would know by now if the tax returns were filed and you did not sign them prior. But was it a joint tax return? Maybe your signature wasn't needed. If you can't get a copy from some source, call IRS give them Soc. Sec. # to have them check to see type filing and if jointly and your signature was forged that's good time to let them know.

Answer 4

So, did you have income during the years in question or where you a stay-at-home spouse?



If you worked, the joint return can only include your wage income if you supplied it, so the IRS will argue tacit approval. If you had a filing requirement if you didn't file jointly, the IRS will ask why you didn't file. If you shared an address with your spouse, you will be assumed to have benefited from the refund.



This isn't to say you can't claim forgery (even if a return is efiled), but the IRS is going to review such claims carefully.

Answer 5

With your Social Security number and last name you can inquire about any return filed as a single or MFJ return in your name. Call the IRS 1-800-829-1040.

Answer 6

I'm confused.



If you did not sign a tax return, or agree to an electronic signature if submitting on-line, then your signature was forged or you did not file a return.



Go to IRS.gov and look for "status of my return". Follow directions and be ready with your ssn and PIN if it was an electronic return.

Answer 7

Not legally, but it's done a lot. It doesn't cause a problem if both people are in agreement.



You can call the IRS or request a transcript of your return using YOUR ss# - if nothing was filed in your name, they'll tell you that. For a transcript see http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc156.html

Answer 8

Go to the bank or HNR block they are really nice there and will take you throough it sstep by step[