Do I declare rental income for deceased spouse the same way as in previous year when he was alive?

[connienelsontink]

my husband and I co-owned rental properties. I inherit the property as surviving widow. Do I fill out the tax form the same as in previous years when he was alive? 

[pk · Accepted solution]

Sorry for your loss.

For the year of death of the  spouse, you still file jointly. The next year, unless you have qualified child ( in which case you file as widow ) you file as single.

As far as rental property, there is a  little quirk ---- ( a) if you do not live  in a community property state,  the bequeathed  1/2 of the  property gets a step up/down to FMV in valuation  -- your basis  changes   and depending on your longer term plans you may wish to update the  depreciation schedule;  OR (b)  if you live in a community property state  the basis of the  whole property ( your original  and the inherited portion ) gets  a step up/down to FMV  and again you may want to look at the  depreciation schedule.

Other than that the filling out of Schedule-E  ( supplemental / rental income ) is filled out the same as earlier years.

Is there other items  you need help on ?