Should you file a joint tax return for the year of death?

Description

Abstract: The death of a spouse is a devastating, traumatic experience, and if it happens, dealing with taxes and other financial and legal obligations are probably the last things on a person’s mind. Unfortunately, many of these obligations can’t wait and must be addressed in the months to follow. This article considers the issue of whether the surviving spouse should file a joint or separate tax return for the year of the deceased’s death.