How do I file if my spouse passed away January 2023 and we have no children?it

[tlnaussie]

The IRS has rejected my return because I filed jointly

[xmasbaby0]

The rejection would not be for filing jointly-----what does the rejection message say--exactly?   Word for word.

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 $27,700 (+ $1500 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.

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

My husband died last year too.  I still efiled a Joint return and the refund was direct deposited to my checking account.  Didn't have to do anything special.  Just entered the date of death on his name. 

A common reject reason is for the AGI.  Did you enter last year's AGI for each of you?  If it rejects for the AGI try entering 0 for the AGI.