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New Member
posted Mar 5, 2025 8:10:36 PM

How do I remove my spouse as primary filer if he is deceased?

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2 Replies
Level 15
Mar 5, 2025 8:19:15 PM

Very sorry for your loss.   Do not try to change the names on the return just yet.  Did your spouse pass away in 2024?

 

 

 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 $29,200 (+ $1550 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://accountants.intuit.com/support/en-us/help-article/tax-filing-status/claiming-qualified-surviving-spouse-filing-status/L7al83jU1_US_en_US

 

 

For the year after your spouse passed,  unless you have a qualified dependent to claim, your filing status changes to Single.   It is best to start a new account with a new user ID.   It is too difficult to delete the embedded information from a spouse if you use the same account that was used for past joint returns.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-start-another-return-in-turbotax-online/00/25596

 

Level 9
Mar 5, 2025 8:20:02 PM

We are sorry for your loss.  To file in the year he passed, you leave his information there but mark that he died and the date when he died.  The next year start a new tax return with only your information.  You can file joint for the year in which he was deceased.  After that you will file single or surviving spouse if you are supporting a child.