You can use the Married Filing Jointly filing status if you spouse passed away last year and you did not remarry. For the next two years following the death of your spouse, you can use the Qualified Widower filing status if you meet the requirements below:
- You qualified for married filing jointly with your spouse in the year he/she died
- You didn’t remarry before the end of the tax year in which your spouse died.
- You have a child, stepchild, or adopted child you claim as your dependent
- You paid more than half the cost of maintaining your home. This must be the main home of your dependent child for the entire year, except for temporary absences.
Please review the IRS article on Filing Status.
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