My wife died 11/29/2024 how do I change her filing status

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
January 31, 2025
3 replies
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Best answer by xmasbaby0

Expert Reviewed

Very sorry for your loss. For the year that your spouse died, you can still file a joint return. That way, you will get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $29,200 (+ $1550 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 her 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 she passed.

If you have qualifying dependent children you will be able to file as a qualifying surviving spouse (QSS) for the next two years after this tax return. Post back if you need further help.

VolvoGirl

Level 15

Sorry for your loss. Aren't you filing a Joint return? You can file a Joint return as normal the year your spouse died. For the next two years following a husband's or wife's death, the surviving spouse can file as a qualifying widow or widower if they have a qualifying child. That basically lets you continue to use the same tax brackets that apply to married-filing-jointly returns. After the year of death if you don't have a child you file as Single. And then next year start over with a new return and new account. And don't transfer from 2024.

vipvendingsAuthor

Level 2

Thank you

xmasbaby0

Answer

Level 15

Expert Reviewed

If you have qualifying dependent children you will be able to file as a qualifying surviving spouse (QSS) 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.**