BobKamman
Level 15
06-21-2022
05:24 PM
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This comes under the category of, "When IRS says Jump!, we all must ask How High"?"
My mother used to compare some people to chickens running around with their heads cut off. Did your mother do that? I would make it easy on a widower and have him sign a paper return. They'll still cash the check quickly. I think. Although some people are complaining about that also.
Question
My spouse passed away last year, and I want to file a joint return. How should I file, how should I sign, and are there any special notations required to indicate my spouse is deceased?
Answer
- Across the top of the return - above the area where you enter your address, write "Deceased," your spouse’s name, and the date of death.
- When you're a surviving spouse filing a joint return and a personal representative hasn't been appointed, you should sign the return and write "filing as surviving spouse" in the signature area below your signature.
- When you're a surviving spouse filing a joint return and a personal representative has been appointed, you and the personal representative should sign the return.
- A decedent taxpayer's tax return can be filed electronically. Follow the specific directions provided by your preparation software for proper signature and notation requirements.
