How do I file a deceased person's tax return for 2023 when she died in February 2024?

[glucjoann-yahoo-]

She qualifies for no refund and has no tax due for 2023. to e-file, how do I annotate the turbo tax 1040 to show date of death and how do I sign before e-filing?

[Cynthiad66 · Accepted solution]

Yes, the IRS will allow tax returns for deceased taxpayers (also called decedent returns) to be e-filed.

Before you file a decedent return, make sure the Social Security Administration has been notified of the taxpayer's death. You can either go to their website or call 1-800-772-1213.  

Many (but not all) states allow decedent tax returns to be e-filed as well. We'll let you know when you get ready to e-file the state return.

You'll file a normal federal and state tax return for the deceased person based on their income and deductions until the date of their death (also called a decedent return).

Any income earned after this date is reported on a trust return Form 1041, US Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts. You’ll need an Employer Identification Number from the IRS, which you can get here.

You may also need Form 56, which is used when either setting up or terminating a fiduciary relationship. It authorizes you to act as if you’re the taxpayer, allowing you to file income tax returns and pay taxes due with the returns. 

This form isn't prepared with the decedent’s income tax return. It’ll need to be completed and mailed to the IRS office where the decedent’s tax return is filed.

Lastly, if the tax return for the decedent has a refund, you’ll need to complete Form 1310 - Statement of Person Claiming a Refund Due a Deceased Taxpayer. It can be completed in TurboTax.

Death In The Family