How to file pa return when primary spouse died

If the spouse died in 2017, then you may still file a joint return in the exact same manner that you would have filed in prior years, you will just mark on the return that it is a final return for a deceased taxpayer.  You will actually check this box on the federal section and it will carry over to the PA section.  

If the spouse died in 2016, then no return would be due for that spouse and the surviving spouse would need to file a single return (if they did not remarry).  This again will be transferred over from your answers to your federal questions under My Info. 

https://revenue-pa.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/965/~/how-do-i-file-a-pa-income-tax-return-f...

Thank you for a clear answer as I have been all over the place with some odd answers.  You made my day!!

Charlotte