How do I (I have POA) file for my deceased mother?

[DavidD66 · Accepted solution]

If you qualify as your mother's "personal representative", you can file your mother's final tax return.  A personal representative can file the decedent's tax return, pay tax due or receive a refund on behalf of the estate. The IRS defines a personal representative as,  "an executor, administrator, or anyone who is in charge of the decedent's property." 

You will file your mother's tax return the same way you would file your own tax return, however, in the section titled, Your personal info you will respond to the statement, "I'm preparing this return for a Taxpayer, who has passed away." with Yes.  You will be asked for the date of death.  After that, continue with the return in the regular way, entering income, deductions, etc.

If there is a refund, you will need to complete Form 1310.  If Form 1310 is required, you will be prompted to answer a few questions about that near the end of the interview. Form 1310 is used to provide information about your right to claim a refund on behalf of the decedent. 

If you are using TurboTax Online, be sure to create a new account for you mother's return.  Do not use your personal account.  If your mother had a TurboTax account and you have access to it, use it.

Click here to learn more about being a personal representative.

[Opus 17]

A power of attorney is only valid while the person is alive.  To file a tax return for a deceased person, you must be their personal representative.  Depending on the laws of your state, the complexity of your mother's estate, and whether there are other family members who disagree about how to handle her affairs, becoming her personal representative might be very easy, or it might be complicated.  You may want to consult an attorney in your area.