deceased parent

[riveramcr]

I'm filing 2024 taxes for my parents. My dad passed in September 2025. When I started the forms, I answered "yes" to the statement "This person died before filing this return." which is correct. But it seems that because the taxes are for 2024, it won't accept the 2025 date of death. What do I do? 

[M-MTax]

You're going to have to print and mail the return anyway so just ignore the message and proceed.

HOWEVER, after you print out the return, make sure you write "deceased", the person's name and the date of death across the top of the 1040.

DECEASED: [Name of Decedent] - [Date of Death]

Sign the return as the personal representative and file Form 56 for good measure. Include your court appointment as personal rep (or letters) if applicable.

[LindaS5247]

The date of death must be within the 2024 tax year (or early 2025 before the return is filed), which is likely why TurboTax is rejecting a 09/2025 date of death. If you want to file this way, you would have to file a paper return by mail.  Click here for How do I file my return by mail? If a refund is due, you will have to file IRS Form 1310 to claim it. See instructions below.

Typically, if your parent was deceased in 09/2025, than you would file the final tax return for income received from January 01, 2025 through the date of death. This would be a 2025 tax return due in April 15 of 2026.  The return should be marked "Deceased" and include the name and date of death and it should be signed by the surviving spouse or Executor.

The surviving spouse is considered to be married the entire year and is eligible to use the filing status "married filing jointly" for 2024 and 2025.

A final federal income tax return (Form 1040) for a deceased taxpayer is generally due by April 15 of the year following the taxpayer's death.

To file this final tax return, you can enter the date of death in the MY Info section of TurboTax.  This will allow TurboTax to flag the return as "Deceased." If a refund is due, you will have to file IRS Form 1310 to claim it. This can be done within the federal filing process of your tax return. In some situations, you may be required to  mail a paper return. 

You can get to the section of TurboTax for Form 1310 as follows:

1. Click on the Search icon at the top right of your TurboTax screen
2. Type "Form 1310" in the Search Box
3. Click on the link "Jump to Form 1310"
4. Your screen will say, "Let's see if you need to file Form 1310"
5. Continue through the screens and answer all follow up questions

Click here for File the final income tax returns of a deceased person

Click here for Death in the Family

My sincerest condolences for the loss of your father.

If you have additional questions regarding this, please return to TurboTax Community. We would be happy to help you.