Question

Deceased person's tax return when to file

Forum|Forum|4 years ago
June 8, 2021
1 reply
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My mother passed away in February, 2021. She is due a refund on her 2020 tax return. So, I have to mail in her return. Cannot file it electronically.

My question is, is there any reason that I should NOT go ahead and submit her return for 2020 now so the IRS can start processing her refund?? Her refund that is due is a pretty substantial amount and I don't want the IRS to keep the money any longer than necessary.

Thank you.

A

Anonymous_

Employee

@uthorns76 wrote:
My question is, is there any reason that I should NOT go ahead and submit her return for 2020 now so the IRS can start processing her refund??

I am very sorry for your loss. However, e-filing the return will not substantially speed processing of the refund if you have to file a Form 1310 and/or supporting documentation by mail.

I actually have a couple of clients who are still waiting for refunds from the 2019 tax year (filed in March of 2020) for which Forms 56 and 1310 were filed.

U

uthorns76Author

I cannot E-file the return because my mother is deceased and she is owed a refund. I don't really have to file Form 1310 because I am executor of her estate but I probably will file Form 1310 with her return and also include copy of death certificate and letters testamentary with the return.

So, I guess the sooner I mail in the return, the better??

A

Anonymous_

Employee

@uthorns76 wrote:
So, I guess the sooner I mail in the return, the better??

Yes, the sooner the better.

You do not need to include the death certificate and only need to attach a court certificate showing your appointment if the will was filed with the probate court. Otherwise, you simply need to complete Form 1310.