Signatures

[mkbrotman]

I am very late in filing my taxes for the last 3 years.  I am working on my 2021 taxes and my husband passed in 2023.  How do I handle his signature?

Thank you!!

[xmasbaby0]

So sorry for your loss. 

You have three years from the filing deadline to file a tax return and receive a refund.  So if you do not owe, you should be fine to file 2021 and 2022 at this time--no penalty unless you owe tax due.   

Make sure you are using the correct software for each tax year.  More about that below.

 If you are filing joint returns for those years----I believe you can say in My Info that your spouse passed before filing the return and you can enter the date he passed.  That way you will not need his signature.   You can still file a joint return for the year that he passed---2023.   After that  if you have a qualified dependent for 2024 or 2025 you can file as a qualified surviving spouse. If you do not have a dependent you will file single for 2024 next year.

@Critter-3   ??    double checking ----user is okay to say spouse passed even on 2021 and 2022, correct?   

[xmasbaby0]

Each tax year has to be filed separately using the forms for the specific tax year.  They cannot be combined in any way--do not even put them in the same envelope when you mail them.

The current online program can only be used for a 2023 return--no other year.  And if you did not file a 2022 return you will have trouble e-filing 2023.  When it asks for your 2022 AGI try using zero.  If zero does not work then you have to print, sign and mail 2023.

Online preparation and e-filing for 2020, 2021, and  2022 is permanently closed.

To file a return for a prior tax year

 If you need to prepare a return for 2020, 2021, or 2022  you can purchase and download desktop software to do it, then print, sign,  and mail the return(s)

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

You may also want to explore purchasing the software from various retailers such as Amazon, Costco, Best Buy, Walmart, Sam’s, etc.

Remember to prepare your state return as well—if you live in a state that has a state income tax.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/state-taxes/help/how-do-i-contact-my-state-department-of-revenue/0... 

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s.  Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses.  Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.

Note:  The desktop software you need to prepare the prior year return must be installed/downloaded to a full PC or Mac.  It cannot be used on a mobile device.

If you are getting a refund, there is not a penalty for filing past the deadline.  If you owe taxes, the interest/penalties will be calculated by the IRS based on how much you owe and when they receive your return and payment. The IRS will bill you for this; it will not be calculated by TurboTax.

[DavidD66 · Accepted solution]

As a surviving spouse filing a joint return with your deceased spouse in the year of death or any year preceding the year of death in which you qualify to file a joint return, you, as the surviving spouse may sign on behalf of your deceased spouse. In this case, in the signature block include “filing as surviving spouse”.

[mkbrotman]

Thank you to both of you who responded.  David's answer is what I was looking for but I enjoyed reading the other answer as well.  It refreshed my memory on the ins and outs of filing.

Thanks so much to you both!

Michelle