filing status

[taxnitemaare]

I am a widow. My husband passed away 01/19/2021.  Turbo Tax is recommended that I file using  "married filing jointly".  I don't understand how this is possible.  Shouldn't I be filing "single status" or "widow"?

[xmasbaby0]

Very sorry for your loss.  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 $25,100 (+ $1350 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 dependent children still living at home, you will be able to file as a qualified widow for the next two years after this tax return.  Post back if you need further help.

And...do not change the order of the names on your tax return.