Can a qualifying widow file jointly

[xmasbaby0]

So sorry for your loss.   If your spouse passed away in 2022, you can file a joint return for 2022.   If your spouse passed away in an earlier year, for the two years after the spouse passed away, IF you have qualifying dependent children you can file as a qualified surviving spouse----which means for those tax years you will still get the standard deduction like a joint return.

More.....

For the year that your spouse died, you can still file a joint return.  That way, you will get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $25,900 (+ $1400 for each spouse 65 or older) which will lower the amount of income you are taxed on.

In My Info, you will need to indicate that your spouse died. When his name is in My Info,  there is a screen early in the interview that asks "Do any of these apply to [name] ?’” where you will do that, and then a drop down will appear where you can enter the date he passed.

If you have qualifying dependent children you will be able to file as a qualifying surviving spouse  (QSS) for the next two years after this tax return.  Post back if you need further help.

https://blog.turbotax.intuit.com/tax-planning-2/tax-implications-for-taxpayers-who-have-lost-a-spous...

[SharonD007]

You can use the Married Filing Jointly filing status if you spouse passed away last year and you did not remarry. For the next two years following the death of your spouse, you can use the Qualified Widower filing status if you meet the requirements below:

• You qualified for married filing jointly with your spouse in the year he/she died
• You didn’t remarry before the end of the tax year in which your spouse died.
• You have a child, stepchild, or adopted child you claim as your dependent
• You paid more than half the cost of maintaining your home. This must be the main home of your dependent child for the entire year, except for temporary absences.

Please review the IRS article on Filing Status.