Firstly, it is NOT a secret that the IRS has a serious backlog. I will strongly encourage you to contact your Local Taxpayer Advocate Group rather than handling this issue on your own as they handle situations like yours ALL THE TIME !!!
Taxpayer Advocate Service
In addition, if your spouse died in 2023, you can use MARRIED FILING JOINTLY (as a surviving spouse). You will check the box for deceased and also enter the date of death of your spouse. 2023 is the last year for which you can file jointly with your described spouse.
You may be eligible to use qualifying widow(er) with dependent child as your filing status for tax years 2024 and 2025. This filing status entitles you to use joint return tax rates and the highest standard deduction amount (if you do not itemize deductions). This status does not entitle you to file a joint return.
Filing a final federal tax return for someone who has died
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