SSN filing order for couple now deceased husband

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
May 14, 2025
4 replies
12 views

Filed an 4868 extension for married couple TY 2024 in April 2025; husband primary taxpayer; wife is spouse.

Before 2024 return could be completed, husband dies ( 5/11/25).

Return now ready to be finalized.

Can the return still be filed with husband as primary ( deceased); wife as spouse or do I have to redo the inputs and file with the spouse now as primary taxpayer; husband as spouse.??

And what about TY 2025? She will still be able to file MFJ. Will the order of primary/secondary taxpayer matter as well?

Thanks for any insights. All be well!

ProSeries Professional

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BobKamman

Level 15

No need to change it for either '24 or '25 return. If there's a balance due, make sure you really want to file a joint return, if the husband's estate is insolvent.

J

jnd2546Author

Level 5

Thank you very much! No insolvency involved. Return has small balance due and I think I'll use IRS Direct Pay for balance vs building in automatic payment inside the return in case it gets delayed.

BobKamman

Level 15

Don't use a bank account where Social Security checks are deposited -- they tend to get frozen when the customer dies. (Although, the April payment is still good, and the May payment will probably be stopped by June.)

ljr

Level 9

no changes needed - you can mfj as is for the 24 and the 25 return. for 26 proseries will drop him off and move her over to the taxpayer - you will still need to delete any forms attached to him at that point