File the final income tax returns of a deceased person for current and prior years, pay any balance due and claim the refund. Print or type "Deceased" and the date of death next to the taxpayer's name at the top of the return.The process of claiming a bank account after death varies based on a number of factors. Here's how to claim a deceased person's bank accounts. The executor must also check for taxes owed for years prior to the decedent's death. A final tax return is required for the year of death if the deceased person received income during that year that was not reported on a previous tax return. The federal estate tax return is filed on Form 706. It's due nine months after the death, but the deadline can be extended for up to six months. Take a look at our Estate and Trust Taxation page. Do you know how to find out if you are a beneficiary on a bank account?