death of spouse

[gk1]

for a mfs return the spouse date of death field not active (grayed out).  is this required?

[IRonMaN]

Sounds like it isn't required since you aren't filing for the deceased spouse.

[Carol65]

When did the spouse die?  Depending on the date and circumstances you may need to file the return as married filing joint and then you would input the date of death.

[BobKamman]

There are many circumstances when a decedent's surviving spouse should choose to file MFS.  No one over "needs" to file MFJ.  But if an MFJ was filed in error, the decedent's executor/personal representative (who can be the surviving spouse) has a year to amend to MFS.  

[Carol65]

You are correct.  I should have said depending on the circumstances you may choose to file MFJ.