The first months
File their final income tax return
A final federal 1040 covers income from January 1 through the date of death. The return is due by the normal deadline (usually April 15 of the year following the death). "Deceased" gets written across the top. A surviving spouse can still file jointly for that year.
What you'll need
- Their W-2s, 1099s, and last year's return
- IRS Form 1310, if a refund is due
Good to know
Sign as personal representative: Whoever files signs as "personal representative" or "surviving spouse." If a refund is due, IRS Form 1310 tells them who to send it to.
Need help with this step?
Someone on our team can talk through this step with you, answer questions, and help you figure out what applies.
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