If my husband died in 2008 wouldn't I be qualified as a surviving spouse instead of single?

Pointblank48 · ‎February 14, 2026

I am single since his death but I should be considered a surviving spouse and was never offered that option before.

xmasbaby0

Sorry--no. Your filing status is Single now. For the year that a spouse passes away you are able to file a joint return; for two years after that you can file as a qualified surviving spouse IF you have dependent children. Your spouse passed in 2008 so you file as single.

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

View solution in original post

DoninGA

The filing status of Surviving Spouse is only for the two years after the death of a spouse and you must have a qualifying child as a dependent to be eligible.

If you have not remarried and do not a qualifying person as a dependent then you can only file as Single.

xmasbaby0

Sorry--no. Your filing status is Single now. For the year that a spouse passes away you are able to file a joint return; for two years after that you can file as a qualified surviving spouse IF you have dependent children. Your spouse passed in 2008 so you file as single.

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

Expert does your taxes

Do it yourself

Resources

Support

If my husband died in 2008 wouldn't I be qualified as a surviving spouse instead of single?