How to report a deceased persons death that occurred in 2025 ?

[amartino11]

I am the surviving spouse (filing jointly).  What forms and steps need to be entered on Turbo Tax.   Do I need to file individual or jointly?  In 2026

Explain Form 1310

Thanks in advance,

Alex M

[xmasbaby0]

So sorry for your loss.    For 2025, you will be able to file a joint tax return.

For the year that your spouse died, you can still file a joint return.  That way, you will get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $31,500 (+ $1600 for each spouse 65 or older) which will lower the amount of income you are taxed on.

In My Info, you will need to indicate that your spouse died. When his name is in My Info,  there is a screen early in the interview that asks "Do any of these apply to [name] ?’” where you will do that, and then a drop down will appear where you can enter the date he passed.

If you have qualifying dependent children you will be able to file as a qualifying surviving spouse  (QSS) for the next two years after the 2025 tax return.  Post back if you need further help.

[SwapnaM · Accepted solution]

Since your spouse passed away in 2025, you are considered married for the entire year and can file your 2025 tax return (in 2026) as "Married Filing Jointly", as long as you did not remarry in 2025.

If you're using TurboTax, here’s what you’ll typically do:

• Start a joint return as usual.
• When prompted, indicate that your spouse passed away in 2025.
• TurboTax will guide you through entering the date of death and any other relevant details.

Form 1310 is the Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased Taxpayer. You likely DO NOT need to file Form 1310. Surviving spouses and court-appointed representatives don't need to complete this form. You establish your right to the refund by simply filing the joint return and writing "Filing as surviving spouse" in the signature.

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/filing-a-final-federal-tax-return-for-someone-who-has-died has more information.

I'm very sorry for your loss, Alex. This is a difficult time, and this is a very common question.

@amartino11 Thanks for the question!