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Level 1
May 26, 2020
Solved

Dependent for 209

  • May 26, 2020
  • 2 replies
  • 27 views

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

Best answer by MinhT1

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.

2 replies

MinhT1Answer
Level 15
May 26, 2020

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.

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Carl
Level 11
Level 11
May 26, 2020

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.)

 

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