Ammend 2021 Tax Return

[brod127]

Hello,

I would like to ammend my 2021 Tax Return. I am a widow (husband passed in 2020). 

I recently filed my 2022 on my own this year through turbo tax. I filed as a qualifying widow and claimed my 30 year son as a qualifying dependent/relative since he met the requirements and lives with me.

In 2021, I had someone else do my tax returns and I was filed as single. I would like to ammend this tax return 2021 to be a qualifying widow, but do not plan to claim my son as a dependent for that year.

I know I need a 1040x form to do the ammendment, but how can I get that form on TurboTax to do so since I did not do my taxes with turbo tax for 2021? Also, is it possible just to file for a qualifying widow without claiming a dependent? Thank you for your help in advance!

[DoninGA]

No, you cannot have a filing status of Qualifying Widow if you are not claiming a dependent child on your tax return, your filing status would be Single.

[xmasbaby0]

So sorry for your loss.   If your spouse passed away in 2020 you were permitted to file a joint return for 2020.  For 2021, you could only file as a qualifying surviving spouse (widow) IF you had a qualified dependent.   Otherwise---with no dependent claimed on your 2021 return you should have filed as Single.  As for 2022----if your son is a dependent---please explain-----is he severely disabled in such a way that you are claiming him as a qualified child?   Or is he a qualified relative?   That makes a difference in the way you can file.

If your son can only be claimed as a qualified relative then you may be able to file as Head of Household, but not as a qualified surviving spouse.   

[brod127]

Thanks for your swift response. Can I file as Head of Household as long as I fill the requirements?

[brod127]

Hes a qualified relative for 2022, not working at the moment. Supporting him with his studies. 

[xmasbaby0]

Am I Head of Household?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894553-do-i-qualify-for-head-of-household

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2900097-what-is-a-qualifying-person-for-head-of-household

If you qualify as Head of Household, when you enter your marital status (single or married filing separately) into MyInfo, and then enter your qualifying dependent, TurboTax will offer HOH as your filing status.