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• Tweet ^[1]
• Email ^[2]

I was doing some research about boneheaded tax preparation mistakes when I stumbled upon a common question – what happens if I forget to sign my tax return?

According to the IRS, your return is not considered a valid return unless you sign it. If it’s a joint return, your spouse will also have to sign it. If you forget to sign it, the IRS will mail you a letter requesting you (and your spouse, if necessary) to sign that document before they will process the return. I don’t know if that will result in any penalties or fees should you file late but since it shouldn’t affect the math on the return, any taxes due (or tax refund ^[3] due) will not change.

If you sent in your taxes early and forgot to sign, you could always request an extension using Form 4868 ^[4]. This would push your tax return due date out to October and you’ll definitely get that substitute form in time and avoid any late filing penalties.

This is just another reason why you should e-file your tax return!