Can someone help me. My husband died July 25, 2020. Last year we filed Jointly with me as primary. Do I file jointly again because he received Social Security?

[lumbee45]

How do I file this year? We received the $2,400 but I have not gotten the $600 yet. How do I file?

[VolvoGirl]

Sorry for your loss.  Yes you can file a Joint return for 2020.  Just file as before with both your incomes.  You can get the Stimulus payments.  I think you will also the 600 for him too.  There will be a screen asking for the amounts you already received.  

[pk]

@lumbee45  I am so sorry for your loss.  

Since  the passing of your husband was in 2020, you still  can file as Married Filing Joint for the year 2020.  Thereafter you are a widow ( essentially treated as single ) for tax purposes unless  you have dependents  for whom you maintain a household -- in which case you can continue  to file as Head of Household.

Dose this help or is there more I can do for you ?

[fanfare]

If you have a dependent, file as a Qualifying Widow for 2021, not Head of Household.

[cordimaf3]

My husband died in October, 2021.  Can I file as Head of Household for tax year 2021?  I have a qualifying child as well.

[Critter-3]

No ... you should file a joint return in the year of passing as it is usually better.   Your only other option would be to file separately not HOH.

In the 2 year's following the year of death, if you do not remarry, you can file as qualified widow which is better then HOH.  After those 2 years, if you still have a qualifying dependent HOH would be correct.   Don't short change yourself by thinking HOH is better.  Follow the program instructions so it can help you get the best option available to you.

[Carl]

How do I file this year?

If by "this year" you mean tax year 2021 or 2022, you will not be filing as married. (unless you remarried)

You will file as qualifying widow if you have dependent children. Otherwise, you file as single.