6864

[#1]

The following diagnostic is generating: The year of the spouse's date of death must equal 2021 or 2022. Problem: I'm posting this in May 2024. In the situation of a taxpayer death in 2023 and a late filing of 2021 and 2022 tax returns, the diagnostic appears and prevents electronic filing. What is the solution? I'm tempted to input a DOD in 2022 to resolve the diagnostic. Would that cause a delay in processing by the IRS?

[sjrcpa]

You could try it.

[Strongsilence-CPA]

The DOD prints at the top of the 1040, which can be corrected on the client copy but not the filed copy. I foresee delays in doing that workaround.  The trustee doesn't seem to be in a hurry, but I don't want legal fees to pile up, and I want the estate closed as soon as possible.

[Strongsilence-CPA]

Tech support said that I need to use IRS Free File to file this tax return.

[Strongsilence-CPA]

Think this is the solution.  I will input a date needed to clear diagnostic 6864 and e-file the tax return.  I will override the text box at the top of Page 1 of the 1040 to list the actual date of death.