| Think because a loved one died, you won't have to | | | | filing as surviving spouse, where the decedent would |
| deal with the IRS? Think again. The good news is that, | | | | have signed. |
| with the right professional knowledge, filing a tax return | | | | - If there is no executor or spouse to file to return, |
| for a deceased person doesn't have to be difficult. | | | | another person may be responsible for filing the last |
| While there are different types of taxes, this article will | | | | tax return, in which case that person should sign the |
| discuss federal income taxes. | | | | return, saying that they are signing on behalf of the |
| Even though the taxpayer died, taxes still must be filed | | | | decedent. |
| for that person by April 15 of the year that follows the | | | | If a refund is due, be sure to also file Form 1310 |
| person's death. When filling out the last tax return, use | | | | Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a |
| the same form the taxpayer would use if still alive but | | | | Deceased Taxpayer, found at with the IRS. |
| write DECEASED after the person's name. On the tax | | | | Savings and Investments If the taxpayer has savings |
| return, report the income the taxpayer earns from the | | | | or other investments, only interest earned up to the |
| beginning of the year until the date of death. | | | | date of the person's death is reported on their tax |
| Who Files the Taxpayer's Final Tax Return | | | | return. Money earned after the taxpayer's death is |
| - The executor will usually file the final tax return. If you | | | | taxed to the account beneficiary or the estate. Get |
| are the executor, be sure to sign the return for the | | | | ownership of these types of accounts changed as |
| deceased taxpayer. If a joint return is filed, don't forget | | | | fast as possible after the taxpayer's death. Since this |
| to get the spouse to sign as well. | | | | type of income is usually reported on a 1099 form, the |
| - If feeling able, a surviving spouse may also file the | | | | form may show more income for the taxpayer than it |
| return. The surviving spouse qualifies as a widow or | | | | should. When this happens, report the whole amount |
| widower for two years after the spouse's death, | | | | on Schedule B of the deceased's return and deduct |
| which allows them to use the tax brackets that are | | | | the amount that's reported by the estate or |
| used when filing married-filing-jointly returns. The | | | | beneficiary who collected the income. |
| surviving spouse needs to sign the return and write | | | | |