How can I file ITR, claim TDS refund for a deceased parent?

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Filing ITR & Claiming TDS Refund for a Deceased Parent

Obtain Proof That You Are the Legal Heir

Apply through the local tehsildar / municipal corporation office for a legal heir certificate. Submit an application form, death certificate, PAN of deceased, your PAN, address proof, bank account details, and documents proving your relationship. Once verified, the tehsildar issues a legal heir certificate.

Register as Legal Heir on the Income Tax Portal

Log in to your own account on the Income Tax e-filing portal.
Request registration as a representative assessee.
Select “Deceased (legal heir)” and upload required documents:
- Death certificate
- PAN of deceased
- Legal heir proof
- Your PAN, ID & address proof
- Bank account details for refund
Once the Income Tax Department approves, you can file ITR on behalf of your parent.

File the ITR & Claim Refund

File the ITR as usual (for the income earned till the date of death).
Refund (if any) will be credited to the legal heir’s validated bank account.
If the original bank account of the deceased is closed, file a “Refund Re-issue Request” with your bank account details.

Income Received After Death

Any income after the date of death (e.g., interest credited later) is taxable in the hands of the legal heir. If TDS is deducted post-death, you can claim it in your own ITR.

Multiple Heirs?

Registration of one legal heir is sufficient for filing. If there are multiple heirs, consensus is needed to avoid disputes. Keep legal documents ready for verification. No separate prior intimation to the Income Tax Department is needed apart from registering as a legal heir on the portal.