Income Tax Filing Requirements
To settle the taxes of a taxpayer who died during a tax year, a surviving representative or spouse must file a return if the deceased was under the age of 65 and had an adjusted gross income of more than $1,000; the deceased was age 65 or older and had an adjusted gross income of more than $2,000; or the deceased was a nonresident and had any income from Indiana.
Signing the Deceased Individual's Tax Return
If a surviving spouse is filing a joint return, they should sign their name and include, "Filing as Surviving Spouse;” executors and administrators will indicate the same (e.g., “John Doe, administrator”); or if an executor has not been appointed, the person should indicate their relationship to the deceased (e.g., "John Doe, nephew").
Cashing a Refund Check
If you can't access or cash a refund check, contact the State Comptroller at 317-232-3300 for assistance.