Can I use the free TurboTax 2020? My husband guided me through TurboTax this year, then passed away. Now I only have social security, his pension and investment income.

[richard4429]

I've heard I have to file in both our names this year. Is that correct?

[xmasbaby0]

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

• https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2026912-how-do-i-switch-to-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.

[pk]

@richard4429 , I am so sorry for your loss of a friend and husband.  May he rest in Peace.

1. As to the use of the free version of TurboTax -- I do not believe it will be sufficient for you this 2020 -- you will need to use something higher because you will have quite a few things to deal with -- his pension, Social Security and investment income all of which  may be transferring to you- depending on his  last will and testament.  Ideally  this  first year you should use the services of a tax professional because  there are whole bunch of things that must be done correctly to make sure that you get  the least  tax.

2. Depending on the size of his estate  and his will you may have to file an estate  return -- so again a Tax professional is your best bet. Can you do it by yourself -- YES. But it is not advisable.. Of course we can help but  note that we are just other users/volunteers/retired tax professionals and cannot see your return and or respond to you in real-time.

3. yes for the  year of passing away of the decedent you should file Married Filing Joint.  For the following two years , unless you are maintaining a household for a minor dependent, you file as single.

Is there more I can do for you ?