PREPARER SIGNATURE REQUIREMENT?

[699574]

IF A PREPARER DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE DOES HE STILL HAVE TO SIGN THE 1040.  IN CA. HE DOES NOT HAVE TO SIGN THE 540.

[Just-Lisa-Now- · Accepted solution]

If your name is on a return as the Paid Preparer you need to sign the return....if you mark the return as Self Prepared or Non Paid Preparer, you may not have to sign it, but if your firm is the ERO transmitting the Efiled return, they will be taking responsibility for the return anyhow. 

FWIW, any return I prepare, whether I'm paid or not, I sign my name to. 

Its called being a tax professional.