If spouse died, this is 1st year filing single, do I have to start new return. Won't I lose all data that was imported?

[MichaelDC · Accepted solution]

Very sorry for your loss.

Just to make sure: You can file a Married Filing Jointly for the year of death. The year following the death, you should be filing single unless you have a child dependent that qualifies you to file as a Qualifying Widow. There's no reason to change the name order on a joint return filed with a deceased spouse. When you enter or review his or her info, just make sure you check Passed away before filing this return and enter the date of passing.

Changing the name order is not necessary and may cause delays in processing your tax return.

If this is the first year you are not filing married filing jointly and your name was listed second on your prior tax returns, you will need to create a new account to file your single return this year. You will not be able to transfer anything from your prior year returns.

Please feel free to post any additional details or questions in the comment section.