How can I choose qualifying surviving spouse

[cstreb]

I dont see where I can change that

[DoninGA]

When entering your personal information, you need to enter the date your spouse passed away and you must have a qualifying child as a dependent.

To have filing status for Surviving Spouse on a 2025 tax return your spouse must have passed away in either 2024 or 2023 and you must have qualifying child as a dependent on your tax return. 

If this is not your situation then you file as Single assuming you have not remarried.

[MindyB]

It depends on whether you have a dependent child living with you. If you do have a dependent child, you may be eligible to file as a Qualifying Surviving Spouse, which is an advantageous status because it allows you to continue using the Married Filing Jointly tax rates and standard deduction for the two years following your husband's death. However, if you do not have a dependent child, you will file as Single this year.

Go to "My Info" on the left of your screen, expand your name, and select "Edit." Continue through the interview until you see the screen About your household, and choose "Widowed."  Next, select the year your spouse passed away.