Filing a return for a deceased person

[gfis-glenn]

I completed a 1040 tax return for my deceased mother [PII Removed]  and turbo tax indicated deceased at the top of the tax return. Is anything else required like a death certificate (if a death certificate is required must is be certified or can it be a copy)?

[MaryK1 · Accepted solution]

 If a refund is due to the decedent, file Form 1310, Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased Taxpayer, with the return. If you're a court-appointed or court-certified personal representative filing an original return for the decedent, you don't have to file Form 1310. Court-appointed or court-certified personal representatives must attach to the return a copy of the court document showing the appointment.   Sorry for your loss.

[gfis-glenn]

No refund. Do I need to included a copy of the death certificate

[MaryK1]

No, you do not need to send the death certificate to the IRS.

[gfis-glenn]

Thank you

[mmd724]

Only income is Soc Sec below the limit and she was in a nursing home.  Do i have to file a final tax return for my deceased mother?

[MaryK1]

No if there is no taxable income to report you do not have to file a tax return for her.  If you did not do so yet, make sure you contact the Social Security Administration to report her death so her SSN cannot be used for the IRS in the future (there is so much identity fraud now)

[suenatkins]

What if I am a successor trustee to a revocable trust and have no court appointment paperwork?

[brattoge]

How do I initiate a return for a deceased person ?

[ToddL99]

The tax return for a deceased person is prepared the same way in TurboTax as the tax return for a living person.

In the Personal Info interview, however, you have to indicate that the taxpayer passed away (see the sample screenshot below). When you check that block, the program will ask you for the date of death.

You can also e-file the return of a deceased person. See Can I e-file a tax return for someone who is deceased? for additional information.

If the deceased person is filing on a joint return, see Should I change the name order on a joint return with a deceased spouse? Changing the name order from what was used in the previous year may cause delays in processing the tax return.

[wdshumate1911]

at the end of the return it asks for your AIG and birthdate. it doesn't say "the deceased's" it says "your". but then the IRS rejects the return. this is very confussing on your part. plus how are we supposed to know their AIG?

[fanfare]

many filers have reported they can't e-File with a decedent using TurboTax but can with other software providers.

But if you don't have their AGI you will not be able to e-File.

You'll have to mail it in.

[GLL845]

So I am trying to file my father's (deceased) 2020 tax return.  He was due a small refund from both Federal and State.  I filled out the 1310 like Turbo Tax said to, but I'm confused.  I am my father's only child, I had POA for everything, I handled his estate, nothing went to probate, and I even sent back the $1200 stimulus check he received after his death.  Here's my question...I have never been a "court appointed" representative of my father's estate.   I paid all his bills, I have satisfied all debts, and I'm trying to do the right thing by filing his final tax return.  Is it worth me fighting with the IRS about his taxes?  His income was below the Standard Deduction, and he had paid taxes in to both Federal and State all total...less than $1K.  Turbo Tax also says he is eligible for both the Stimulus Payment from early 2020.  I'm afraid of that one.  Like I said earlier, I sent the $1200 check we received a week or so after he died.  I did not want that on my conscience.  So...do I file?  Thanks in advance.   

[gloriah5200]

On completing the Form 1310, you would mark line C and complete Part II even if you are not court-appointed.  That should not require a "fight with IRS".  You are totally within the law to use the 1310 and file his final return and accept that refund of his.

As far as whether or not he was entitled to the stimulus checks, refer to this link:

Anyone who was alive for any part of 2020 is entitled for the first and second stimulus checks. Answer the stimulus questions in TurboTax and TurboTax will calculate the correct stimulus based on your answers.

The IRS says:

"An individual who died in 2020 or in 2021 and did not receive the full amount of the Economic Impact Payment may be eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit if the individual met the eligibility requirements.

An individual who died prior to January 1, 2020, does not qualify for the Recovery Rebate Credit."

Refer to the following link:

Decedents and stimulus checks?

Related Resource

IRS info on correcting stimulus return problems

[GLL845]

Thank you for the explanation Gloria5200.  I appreciate the quick response.  I will definitely file his taxes now.