My sister lived with me and she passed away in July. How do I do the taxes

[Anonymous_]

I am sorry for your loss.

Are you her personal representative?

See https://www.irs.gov/publications/p559#en_US_2021_publink100099488

[Opus 17]

First, you must be appointed as her personal representative.  This may require going to your local probate court, especially if she did not have a will (but even if she had a will, you have to go to court and get officially appointed.)

Then, you would prepare a tax return in the normal way.  Her income from January 1 to the day she died is reported on a regular tax return. There is a place to check a box for "the taxpayer died during the tax year."  After completing the return, you need to print and mail it, and sign for her as "personal representative."  If she is owed a refund you will need to include form 1310 so the refund can be paid to your bank account.

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/deceased-person

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/file-the-final-income-tax-returns-of-a-deceased-person

https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1310

If she had ongoing income after her death, then you probably also need to file an estate tax return. You would have to provide more information.  

[xmasbaby0]

So sorry for your loss.   You  mentioned that your sister lived with you.  Are you asking if you can claim her as a dependent on your tax return?  Were you supporting her?   Please give us some details so we know how to help.

[Anonymous_]

@jacmaw1 

If you are uncertain as to how to proceed and your sister had substantial assets, you should consult with local legal counsel.

See https://www.avvo.com/probate-lawyer.html

Otherwise, note that you may not need a court appointment to be considered your sister's personal representative for the purposes of filing an income tax return on her behalf. If you are in possession of, or have control over, your sister's property, that is sufficient.