Husband passed away

[PattiF]

Is there something that we can help you with for your tax return? You will be able to use the filing status of Married Filing Joint if your husband passed away in 2021. Please clarify what you need to be helped with for your taxes.

We are sorry for your loss.

[xmasbaby0]

So sorry for your loss.   If this information does not help please post back with another question so we can help you out.

 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.  Do not change the order of the names on your return.

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.

[prsgvs54]

I used Turbo Tax last year and when I filed I had to put "deceased" after his name. Do I still do that -- he died in early March 2021. Also when I go into my Turbo Tax account they say it is no longer free unless I have a simple return. How do I know if I have a simple return?

[ThomasM125]

I'm very sorry for your loss.

You should indicate that your spouse died in 2021 so that "deceased" will appear on his 2021 tax return. You can enter your information in TurboTax and if it qualifies as a simple return you will not be charged for it. You do no pay for the return until you are finished and ready to file it, so you don't have to pay unless you decide to file the return prepared in TurboTax.