Since your spouse passed away in 2025, you are considered married for the entire year and can file your 2025 tax return (in 2026) as "Married Filing Jointly", as long as you did not remarry in 2025.
If you're using TurboTax, here’s what you’ll typically do:
- Start a joint return as usual.
- When prompted, indicate that your spouse passed away in 2025.
- TurboTax will guide you through entering the date of death and any other relevant details.
Form 1310 is the Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased Taxpayer. You likely DO NOT need to file Form 1310. Surviving spouses and court-appointed representatives don't need to complete this form. You establish your right to the refund by simply filing the joint return and writing "Filing as surviving spouse" in the signature.
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/filing-a-final-federal-tax-return-for-someone-who-has-died has more information.
I'm very sorry for your loss, Alex. This is a difficult time, and this is a very common question.
@amartino11 Thanks for the question!
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