Is it true that you have to have a child or children regardless of when your spouse passed to qualify for QW?

[Leonard · Accepted solution]

No, you can only file as a qualifying widow for two years after the year of your spouse's death and yes you must have a dependent child in order to file as a Qualifying Widow.

[VolvoGirl]

You can still file a Joint return the year your spouse died.

[jfleary1]

Thank you, I (Turbo) filed jointly on my behalf in 2015 when my wife passed.  I was under the false impression I could file QW in 2017 BUT did not realize having children was part of the equation to qualify...

[VolvoGirl]

Here's some changes for 2018

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/6443117