Did they file last year? In some instances, when SS is their only income and they are under the cap (I think its 30k maybe a little more) they aren't required to file income taxes. With my Mom she received 1500 in SS and 200 in a small pension. Same with MIL, her monthly inckme was about 1700. Neither had filed income taxes in years. I asked my tax preparer if I should and she said the only thing I may receive would be a small amount in tax credit which would just offset the fee for her doing the taxes. So I didn't do them.
If your parents income was such that it takes you over the cap allowed, this would include SS, pension, interest on bank accts and investments, then u may have to file.
- https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/how-do-i-file-a-deceased-persons-tax-return
- https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/deceased-taxpayers-filing-the-final-returns-of-a-deceased-taxpayer
If your parents income was such that it takes you over the cap allowed, this would include SS, pension, interest on bank accts and investments, then u may have to file.