How can I qualify for surviving spouse?

[newlovese2017]

Spouse is deceased

[MindyB]

I am sorry for your loss.  

If you have a qualifying child, you might be able to file as a Qualifying Surviving Spouse for the 2 years after death. TurboTax will help determine if you qualify in the interview section.

Here is come information you may find useful: How should I file my return if my spouse recently died?

[DoninGA]

If your spouse passed away in 2024 then you can file your 2024 tax return as married filing jointly.  If your spouse passed away in 2023 or 2022, you will need to qualified child as a dependent for Surviving Spouse filing status.  If you do not have a child as a dependent then you have to file as Single.

[xmasbaby0]

Very sorry for your loss.  For the year in which your spouse died, you could file a joint return.   For the next two years after than if you have a qualifying dependent child or step-child you can file as a Qualified Surviving Spouse.   If you do not have a dependent, then you file as Single.

https://accountants.intuit.com/support/en-us/help-article/tax-filing-status/claiming-qualified-survi...

If  your filing status changes to Single, it is best to start a new account with a new user ID.   It is too difficult to delete the embedded information from a spouse if you use the same account that was used for past joint returns.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-start-another-return-in-turbotax-onli...