I picked widower however the app has me as married filing jointly my husband passed 1/18/2023. Do I continue?

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

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.

https://blog.turbotax.intuit.com/tax-planning-2/tax-implications-for-taxpayers-who-have-lost-a-spous...

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/4149272-i-heard-that-the-federal-qualifying-widow-er-requirements-...

[DoninGA · Accepted solution]

Since your spouse passed away in 2023 you can file your 2023 tax return as Married Filing Jointly.

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

Yes Joint is right.  You can file a Joint return for the year your spouse died.  Then the next 2 years  you can file qualifying widow if you have a child or you will be Single for next year.