Things You'll Need:
- W2s
- Income statements
- Bank statements
- Deduction list
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Step 1
If you are married, ask your spouse to file your joint return. Have your spouse prepare the return and bring it to you for your signature. If it is a hardship to sign in person, you will need to have the return mailed to you for your signature in time to file by April 15th. If you are reluctant to have your personal income information on display to prison officials who handle the mail, you may want to consider signing a blank 1040. However, the IRS now urges electronic filing, in which case your signature may already be in their database and your spouse can file without your input.
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Step 2
Have a friend or family member prepare your return from outside of the prison. They will need access to all of your income sources, your bank statements, and your allowable deductions, so it will likely require your granting the individual power of attorney. Urge them to bring the necessary documents to an accountant and have them professionally prepared, particularly if you have a business or have had a complicated return in the past.
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Step 3
Utilize the in-house inmate services. Legal professionals are available to assist prisoners in filing returns. In addition to well-stocked law libraries, prisoners are afforded access to reasonable services, which would include the preparation of tax returns.
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Step 4
Check with the requirements of your individual state, both for available services and filling requirements. If your income falls below a certain level, you may not be required to file.
