When is a deceased person's final tax return due?

Question

Right now, I am helping with the final income tax return for someone who died during the year. Right now, income arrived both before and after the date of death, and the surviving spouse may also have a filing decision to make. The paperwork is inconsistent about both timing and amount, so I need to know which record actually controls the calculation.

Soradin · Accepted Answer

It is generally due on the same schedule that would have applied if the person had lived. When preparing the return, a deceased person's final federal income tax return reports income and deductions through the date of death. For tax reporting purposes, the personal representative or qualifying surviving spouse handles the filing, and the usual deadline generally applies. Retain the records that support the reported amount and the relevant dates, and use a tax professional to confirm the correct reporting party, form, basis, and due date before anything is filed.

When is a deceased person's final tax return due?

Soradin

Need help with your situation?