How do I file taxes for my mom who died this year?

[lilypad101]

My mother's battle with cancer ended in September of 2022 when she died, do I have to file a tax return for her? How do I do that? Do I also have to report her death on my own tax return? Thank You.

[KeithS-2020]

Hi, Lilypad101.

First off, I'm sorry to hear of your mother's battle with cancer and your loss.

From the phrasing of your question, I assume your mother was not married at the time of her passing. You will still need to file a final tax return for her, if she otherwise would have been required to file. One of the early questions in the Personal Info section of the TurboTax interview asks if you are filing for a person who has died. Answering yes will help you properly file your return.

Her death should not affect your return, unless you were claiming her as a dependent. If you were, you will still be able to claim her for 2022, though the TurboTax interview will ask when she died, and would simply leave her off your 2023 return.