The form does have a box to check if the filer is a surviving spouse, and filing the form could help to prevent delays in processing the refund. Also, if a surviving spouse has received a refund check made out jointly to the surviving spouse and the deceased spouse, the survivor can return the check along with Form 1310.

Can a spouse cash a tax refund check?

When you file your federal and state taxes jointly with your spouse and a refund is due, you will receive a check addressed to both parties. Whether you or your spouse can cash it alone depends on how it is written. You likely will need your spouse to sign the check before you attempt to cash it.

When do married couples get their tax refunds?

The IRS is automatically sending tax refunds to such people (who essentially overpaid their taxes) starting in May. The agency is issuing refunds in two phases and making payments into the summer. Married couples who filed jointly are generally going to be in the second phase, according to an IRS official.

Where do you send a tax refund check to a deceased spouse?

Check the box on line A if you received a refund check in your name and your deceased spouse’s name. You can return the joint-name check with Form 1310 to your local IRS office or the Internal Revenue Service Center where you filed your return. A new check will be issued in your name and mailed to you.

What to do with a tax refund after death?

The person filing the income tax return should also file IRS Form 1310, Statement of a Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased Taxpayer. The Internal Revenue Service does not require surviving spouses to file Form 1310 in order to receive the tax refund, many tax preparers recommend filing it anyway.

When to tell tax credit office about death of spouse?

You’ll need to make a new claim for Child Benefit if you were not the person named as the claimant on the original claim form. You should tell the Tax Credit Office about the death within one month if you have not already heard from them.

What happens if you owe taxes on a past due tax return?

“When the IRS pursues back tax returns, the IRS can freeze any refunds you may be due until you file the old return,” says Pickering. “The only way to fix this issue and get your refund is to file the past-due return. If you owe taxes on the old return, the IRS will take that amount out of your current year refund.”