@snookie_69
Rejection is not a statement on the quality of the return or the validity of the tax information. Rejection happens when an e-filed return fails to pass basic quality control checks including the identity of the taxpayer, whether any dependents have been claimed on more than one tax return, and to make sure that all required forms are included and that all the math adds up.
If you print and mail the tax return, it will be processed on its own merits without being influenced by the fact that it was previously rejected when e-filed. The only significant difference is that printed and mailed returns take longer to process.
If you filed jointly with your spouse last year, use the same AGI for both this year. If you filed separately last year and your wife did not file at all, then zero may work. On the other hand, your spouse‘s Social Security number may have been blocked following their death, which will prevent e-filing even if you get the AGI correct.
It should be mentioned at this point that you can only file a joint tax return with your spouse if you are your spouse’s appointed legal representative. (basically, the executor of her estate, although there are some differences.) While it is generally considered automatic for the surviving spouse to be treated as the deceased spouse‘s legal representative for tax purposes, this might not be the case if you were separated, and your spouse had a new will naming someone else as their representative. You may need to have a discussion with that person, or even a discussion with an attorney. I only mention this because you seem unaware of your spouse‘s tax situation for last year, and you started off by assuming that you would be required to file separately this year.
