Can I E-File a Return With a Deceased Spouse?

E-File

The advent of advanced information technology has expanded the ability of individuals, corporations and government entities to conduct business electronically. The Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, created its e-file system to allow taxpayers to file their federal income tax returns online. The IRS notes that more than 1 billion income tax returns have been processed through the e-file system since 1990, and e-file was the most common means of filing individual tax returns as of the 2010 tax year. All individual taxpayers, including those who are filing a joint return with a deceased spouse, are eligible to e-file their federal income tax returns, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

The Internal Revenue Service recognizes five filing statuses, all of which are dependent on the taxpayer's marital status as of the last day of the tax year. Individuals who are not married may file as single or head of household. Individuals who are married may file as married filing jointly or married filing separately. Individuals who lost a spouse to death within the previous two tax years and who have a qualifying child may file as a qualifying widower.

You may typically file a joint tax return with a spouse who died during the tax year provided you did not remarry prior to the end of the tax year. You may only file a joint return with a deceased spouse for the tax year in which your spouse died. You must report any income from your deceased spouse that would have been included on your tax return if your spouse was still alive. You may also claim all exemptions and deductions for your deceased spouse. You are not required to file a joint return with your deceased spouse. You may file a separate return, although in most cases the IRS notes that you will have a lower tax obligation by filing a joint return.

You can e-file your joint tax return with your deceased spouse. At the time of publication, if your adjusted gross income is $58,000 or less you can use the Internal Revenue Service's Free File system to complete and figure your federal income taxes. If your adjusted gross income is more than $58,000, you can still use the Internal Revenue Service's online fillable forms. You have the option of e-filing your tax return for free through the the Internal Revenue Service's e-file system or you may elect to have your joint tax return prepared and e-filed by a professional tax preparer.