Joint Tax Return Deceased Couple

[MegRoss0627]

My partner’s parents passed away in 2024. His mom in February and dad in August. He is the executor of his father’s will and his sister is the executor of his mother’s will. What is the best way to file their return? Do they need to be filed separately? 

[rjs · Accepted solution]

If his parents were married to each other at the time of his mother's death, and his father did not remarry, they can file jointly as long as both executors agree. That is almost certainly the best way to file.

[MegRoss0627]

Thanks. Can one executor file the whole return or do they both need to sign? 

[rjs]

There is only one tax return. They both have to sign it. Your partner signs for their father and his sister signs for their mother.