Taxpayer is filing his 2017 return. Spouse passed away in 2017. NY State return is looking for taxpayer and spouse to certify on the Declaration to E-file Your State.

[bodellny]

I am helping my father-in-law file his 2017 return. My mother-in-law passed away in July 2017. The Federal Return e-file worked fine but the New York State e-file return is looking for both taxpayer and spouse to certify on the "Declaration to E-file Your State". She obviously cannot check the box. Is there a work-around or does he need to mail in his NY return?" 

Note: There is no NY tax due and no NY refund due him.

[KiaraE · Accepted solution]

I'm sorry for your loss. As long as you stated that the person is deceased in the return, your father in law can check the box on her behalf.