The same tax deadlines apply for final returns. File the final income tax returns of a deceased person for current and prior years, pay any balance due and claim the refund.File an estate income tax return. A surviving spouse should file a joint return for the year of death and write in the signature area "filing as surviving spouse. The deadline to file a final return is the tax filing deadline of the year following the taxpayer's death. Transfer on death deeds are recorded in the county where the property is located. The deadline to file a final return is the tax filing deadline of the year following the loved one's death. Deadlines for Filing​​ In Texas, the deadline for filing a tax return is 9 months after the date of death. You must file the person's final income tax return(s). Include all unreported income the person earned up to their date of death.