A web user asks, What are the tax filing requirements for a final return? A spouse of a friend of mine passed away this year. I believe that last year, they filed under the status of Married, filing jointly. From what I’ve read from the internet and Yahoo Answers (thx!) that she can probably file again as Married, filing jointly. I believe that her husband had a will and named a son (from a previous marriage) as the executor of the will.

In that case, when she files, does the executor have to sign the return where her husband’s name would usually be? Or can she still sign it as surviving spouse? Also, who’s responsibility is it to prepare the final return, the surviving spouse or the executor? They really aren’t in much speaking terms, so if they can’t come to an agreement to create a Joint tax return, what are her options for her taxes? Can she just go ahead and file as Married, filing separately, and let the executor do the final return for her deceased spouse separately? Thanks.

Can you help them out? Post your advice!

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