My wife passed on Feb 03 2017. is there anything I have to do differently for our 2016 return

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Frank,

First of all, allow me to express my condolences on the passing of your spouse.

Since she passed after the 2016 tax year there is no affect on the 2016 return.

For 2017

The tax-filing status after the death of a spouse is fairly straightforward. If your spouse dies during the year, the IRS considers you married for the entire year and you can use the filing status "married filing jointly" when your tax return is prepared. This is the last year you can use this filing status unless, of course, you remarry. If you did remarry before year's end, then you or a personal representative handling the estate would file on behalf of your deceased spouse, using the filing status "married filing separately."

On the top of Form 1040 for your spouse, write "Deceased" and your spouse's name and date of death. If there is a personal representative that has been appointed for your deceased spouse, then that person will have to sign the return, and if the return is a joint return, you will also sign it. If there is no personal representative, then you should sign the return and in the signature area write "Filing as surviving spouse."

Victor Santucci, EA

Frank,

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Victor Santucci, EA