So sorry for your loss. When it is time to file your 2020 return--next year in 2021-- you will still be able to file a joint tax return. You will not be able to use the Free Edition, but you might be able to use a different version called Free File.
The income criteria might change slightly for 2020--this is the information for 2019:
If you qualify to use it, there is another full-featured free version of the software:
Try Free File:
You qualify if your income was $36,000 or less, or $69,000 or less if active duty military, or if you qualify for Earned Income Credit
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900583-what-is-turbotax-free-file-program
Note: If you do not qualify to use Free File then you will have to upgrade to Deluxe or higher in the paid versions of the software.
Online Deluxe $60 State software $50
Or—-Use this IRS site for other ways to file for free
https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/
For the year that your spouse died (2020) , you can still file a joint return. That way, you will get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $24,800 (+ $1300 for each spouse 65 or older) which will lower the amount of income you are taxed on.
In My Info, you will need to indicate that your spouse died. When his name is in My Info, there is a screen early in the interview that asks "Do any of these apply to [name] ?’” where you will do that, and then a drop down will appear where you can enter the date he passed.
If you have dependent children still living at home, you will be able to file as a qualified widow for the next two years after this tax return. Post back if you need further help.
**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
