Question

How can I file for a deceased relative?

Forum|Forum|7 years ago
June 6, 2019
9 replies
0 views

My uncle passed away this year on February and I want to file his taxes. I have my own account but I cant file for him. Do I have to create a new account to file?

TurboTax Deluxe Online

S

SweetieJean

Employee

Are you his Personal Representative?

K

kens05taxes

it was my mother in law and my wife is her executor

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MonikaK1

Assuming you are asking the same question as the OP: You will need to set up another account if you are using the Online version of TurboTax because TurboTax Online is for one return per account.

Please see this TurboTax tips article and this help article for more details regarding filing a return for a deceased person. In the Personal info section of TurboTax, a question appears asking if the person for whom the return is being filed has died.

Upon the death of a taxpayer, a new taxpaying entity—the taxpayer's estate—is born to make sure no taxable income falls through the cracks. Generally, income is taxed either:

on the taxpayer's final return,
on the return of the beneficiary who acquires the right to receive the income, or
on the estate's or a trust's income tax return, if the estate or trust receives $600 or more of income.

The filing of the deceased taxpayer's final return usually falls to the executor or administrator of the estate, but if neither is named, then the task needs to be taken over by a survivor of the deceased. The final return is filed on the same form that would have been used if the taxpayer were still alive, but "Deceased:" will appear at the top of the return followed by the person's name and the date of death. The deadline to file a final return is the tax filing deadline of the year following the taxpayer's death.

The filing requirements that apply to individuals will determine if the personal representative must prepare a final individual income tax return for the decedent. If the deceased had no income at all besides Social Security, then they would not be required to file.

The personal representative of an estate is an executor, administrator, or anyone else in charge of the decedent's property. The personal representative is responsible for filing any final individual income tax return(s) and the estate tax return of the decedent when due.

If a return is required, it can be prepared in TurboTax. Please see this TurboTax tips article and this help article for more details regarding filing a return for a deceased person. In the Personal info section of TurboTax, a question appears asking if the person for whom the return is being filed has died.

Please also see IRS Topic No. 356 - Decedents.

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B

blucio17Author

What is a personal representative? I've never done his taxes before.

VolvoGirl

Employee

Are you the executor of his Estate? You need to have legal authority to file his return.

Online is only good for 1 return. But you can use the same email address for 5 accounts. How to start another return in the Online version <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3288574">https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3288574</a>

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SweetieJean

Employee

<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/deceased-taxpayers-filing-the-final-returns-of-a-deceased-taxpayer">https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/deceased-taxpayers-filing-the-final-returns-of-a-deceased-taxpayer</a>

Carl11_2

Employee

One can't just take it upon themselves to do a tax return for another, even if they're deceased. Things have to be worked through the courts and a personal representative has to be legally recognized or appointed by the court. Then, and only then, can the personal representative do things such as file tax returns on the behalf of the deceased.
Even if you Uncle left a Last Will & Testament appointing you as his representative or administrator of his estate, that document has to be filed with the courts and run through the legal probate process before you or anyone else can act on the instructions of the will.

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SweetieJean

Employee

Was your uncle married?

fanfare

Employee

Evidently you can file even if not court appointed, since Form 1310 accommodates this scenario.

Carl11_2

Employee

While that's true, it can create issues and problems if later a court appointed or recognized administrator of the estate wants to make it a problem or issue. Especially if the IRS finds issues with the return.

Rainman12

Employee

1) Start a new TT account with name/SSAN of decedent.
2) Answer questions re: court appointed representative. See https://www.irs.gov/uac/form-1310-statement-of-person-claiming-refund-due-a-deceased-taxpayer
3) IRS just wants a trail of responsibility for a final return. You may/may not be able to e-file ...