- 1). Review the deceased's financial statements that report any income the deceased received up until the date of his death. Look over W-2's (if the deceased was employed), 1098-T's (for any scholarships or grants the deceased received during the tax year), and any bank statements or interest statements that record interest received during the year. Only count the income received up until the date that the deceased died; income received after this date must be reported on the estate's tax forms, according the Complete Tax website.
- 2). Obtain income tax return forms. Typically, these forms will be sent to the deceased by the tax agency. At the top of the form, write the deceased's name. After the last name, print "DECEASED."
- 3). Fill out the income tax forms. Use the instructions that accompany the forms or take the forms to a tax professional such as H&R Block. Filling out the return form for the deceased is just like filling out your own form; you simply use the deceased's information.
- 4). Sign your name at the end of the forms. Write your "status" next to your last name. For instance, if you filled out the form as the surviving spouse, write "Surviving Spouse" next to your signature. If you were the personal representative, write "Personal Representative."
- 5). Send the form to the address listed with the income tax return forms. Typically, the address is printed in the instructions on how to complete the form.
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