Is there relief or any outstanding money’s a spouse is intitled to if they lost a spouse, due to death?

Forum|Forum|7 years ago
June 1, 2019
1 reply
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When filing qualified widower, what advantage does one retain, for the 2 years presiding?

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Best answer by Vanessa11_2

The benefit is you can take the standard deduction that would apply to married filing jointly status. This year that is $24,000. Below are the requirements from the IRS to qualify as a Qualifying Widower.

"You are eligible to file your 2018 return as a qualifying widow(er) if you meet all the following tests.

You were entitled to file a joint return with your spouse for the year your spouse died. It doesn't matter whether you actually filed a joint return.
Your spouse died in 2016 or 2017 and you didn't remarry before the end of 2018.
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 2018: a. The child had gross income of $4,150 or more, b. The child filed a joint return, or c. You could be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return.
This child lived in your home all year, except for temporary absences.
You paid more than half the cost of keeping up a home for the year."

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p501.pdf

Vanessa11_2Answer

Level 13

"You are eligible to file your 2018 return as a qualifying widow(er) if you meet all the following tests.

You were entitled to file a joint return with your spouse for the year your spouse died. It doesn't matter whether you actually filed a joint return.
Your spouse died in 2016 or 2017 and you didn't remarry before the end of 2018.
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 2018: a. The child had gross income of $4,150 or more, b. The child filed a joint return, or c. You could be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return.
This child lived in your home all year, except for temporary absences.
You paid more than half the cost of keeping up a home for the year."

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p501.pdf

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