Thank you @pk My sincerest condolences on the loss of your wife. 55yrs is magnificent, and you must feel her loss so deeply.
I think I am concerned that my daughter as the executor should also sign because of the FAQ on the IRS website:
https://www.irs.gov/faqs/irs-procedures/signing-the-return/signing-the-return#:~:text=A%20decedent%2....
where is states:
Question
My spouse passed away last year, and I want to file a joint return. How should I file, how should I sign, and are there any special notations required to indicate my spouse is deceased?
- Across the top of the return - above the area where you enter your address, write "Deceased," your spouse’s name, and the date of death. [This is done in TurboTax, so we're OK here]
- When you're a surviving spouse filing a joint return and a personal representative hasn't been appointed, you should sign the return and write "filing as surviving spouse" in the signature area below your signature. [A personal representative (executor) HAS been appointed - my daughter]
- When you're a surviving spouse filing a joint return and a personal representative has been appointed, you and the personal representative should sign the return. [This is why I think she and I need to both sign the return]
- A decedent taxpayer's tax return can be filed electronically. Follow the specific directions provided by your preparation software for proper signature and notation requirements.
