Filing for my father, passed this past year.

Question

I'm not sure where to start, but my father unexpectedly passed in June of 2024.

I'm aware I'm supposed to get a mail from his pension. I think I'll get 2 forms from them. But I'm not sure about anything else.

I've tried searching via background search sites but they are unreliable. I'm unsure if he worked this year or not. I don't know if he filed taxes all of these past years, but I assume I can request a copy via IRS website but not sure where and what step to reproduce.

Any idea where I should look? No active bank accounts have been found so far.

Do I file it under my taxes or will it be via representative as filing his taxes?

MatthewD · Answer

Hi RojoPasion,

Let me address a couple of your other questions.

Q: Do I file it under my taxes or will it be via representative as filing his taxes? A:  You file a tax return in his name as his representative.  You can do that at FreeTaxUSA.  When you fill out his personal information, answer YES that he is deceased and enter the date of death.  Then enter his income from the pensions that he collected in his name.

Yes, you can request copies of his tax return from the IRS as the one handling his estate.  See the IRS page to Request deceased person's information.

You don't need prior year returns to file the current 2024 return, but it could be helpful.

You may want to have his mail forwarded to your address to get any W2s, 1099s and other forms mailed to you when they start coming in, in January and February.  Talk to the USPS?

PhillipB · Answer

Hello,

First, I'm sorry for your loss.

Unfortunately, dealing with an estate is difficult, and that difficulty can be compounded if there are not clear records.

Depending on his age, I would plan on the 1099-R forms from his pensions, possibly a Form SSA-1099 if he was receiving Social Security (he would most likely get social security if he was over the age of 65) and maybe some interest or dividend statements on Form 1099-INT, and 1099-DIV depending on his banking and investment situation. The question of a W-2 is more difficult if you are unsure on that - an employer should send a W-2 by January 31st.

If there are questions as to all of his sources of income, you may want to wait to file the final return until as late as April 15 to be sure you have everything.

If you are really unsure on the documentation and his tax situation, you may want to consider hiring a local tax professional (CPA or enrolled agent) to take power of attorney to pull transcripts and make phone calls on your behalf. They would need documentation to show you as the executor of his estate - the death certificate can usually satisfy this.

Let us know if there are additional questions or concerns.