- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Permalink
- Report Inappropriate Content
Get your taxes done using TurboTax
You do need to use your own account now with you as the primary taxpayer since he is deceased.
No, unfortunately, you can only file a joint return if your husband was alive during the year. Otherwise, your filing status, if you have not remarried during the year, would be single unless you qualify for a different filing status, like Qualifying Widow (see below).
Refer to the following link to determine if you qualify to file "Qualifying Widow with Dependent Child" filing status:
Qualifying Widow Filing Status
Qualifying Widow(er) -
You can check the “Qualifying widow(er)” box at the top of Form 1040 or 1040-SR and use joint return tax rates for 2020 if all of the following apply.
1.Your spouse died in 2018 or 2019 and you didn't remarry before the end of 2020.
2. You have a child or stepchild (not a foster child) whom you can claim as a dependent or could claim as a dependent except that, for 2020:
- a. The child had gross income of $4,300 or more,
- b. The child filed a joint return, or
- c. You could be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return. If the child isn’t claimed as your dependent, enter the child’s name in the entry space below the filing status checkboxes. If you don’t enter the name, it will take us longer to process your return.
3. This child lived in your home for all of 2020.
4. You paid over half the cost of keeping up your home.
5. You could have filed a joint return with your spouse the year he or she died, even if you didn't actually do so.