topic If my husband died in 2008 wouldn't I be qualified as a surviving spouse instead of single? in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

If my husband died in 2008 wouldn't I be qualified as a surviving spouse instead of single?

Pointblank48 — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 20:56:13 GMT

I am single since his death but I should be considered a surviving spouse and was never offered that option before.

Re: If my husband died in 2008 wouldn't I be qualified as a surviving spouse instead of single?

DoninGA — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 21:00:08 GMT

The filing status of Surviving Spouse is only for the two years after the death of a spouse and you must have a qualifying child as a dependent to be eligible.

If you have not remarried and do not a qualifying person as a dependent then you can only file as Single.

Re: If my husband died in 2008 wouldn't I be qualified as a surviving spouse instead of single?

xmasbaby0 — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 21:01:28 GMT

Sorry--no. Your filing status is Single now. For the year that a spouse passes away you are able to file a joint return; for two years after that you can file as a qualified surviving spouse IF you have dependent children. Your spouse passed in 2008 so you file as single.