topic Dependent for 209 in Deductions & credits

Dependent for 209

roleblond — Tue, 26 May 2020 15:01:45 GMT

My wife died on July 23, 2018. Can I use her as a dependent on my 2019 tax return?

Re: Dependent for 209

MinhT1 — Tue, 26 May 2020 15:21:27 GMT

As my wife passed away in 2018, she cannot be your dependent on your 2019 tax return.

However, if you have not remarried and have a dependent child, you can file as a qualified widower, which is more beneficial tax wise than filing as Single.

Please read this TurboTax article for more information.

Re: Dependent for 209

Carl — Tue, 26 May 2020 15:58:15 GMT

Bottom line answer is no. Your filing status choices are:

- Single (if you do not have any dependents in 2019)

- Widower (only if you have a qualifying dependent child. Only valid to a maximum of two tax years after the tax year the spouse passed.)

- Head of Household (only if you have a qualifying dependent child and meet other requirements.)