My husband passed away in 2021. Why am I being asked if I have a verbal or written agreement with him when it's our children I am claiming on my tax return?

[xmasbaby0]

So sorry for your loss.   It sounds like you are filing as a Qualified Surviving Spouse.  And if you are not--you should be.   Say no to that question.

Look up near the top of your Form 1040.   Is the box checked for Qualifying Surviving Spouse (QSS)?

[xmasbaby0]

PREVIEW 1040

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901539-how-do-i-preview-my-turbotax-online-return-before-filing

Click on Tax Tools on the left side of the screen. Click on Tools. Click on View Tax Summary. Click on Preview my 1040 on the left side of the screen.

[leyshsmith]

@xmasbaby0 Thank you for your condolences. When I preview my return, I do see that the "Single" checkbox is checked and grayed out. However, when it asked about my circumstances in the beginning, I definitely clicked "Widowed." Maybe there's a glitch in the form somewhere? 

[xmasbaby0]

Talk to support for help with this.   It is very important for you to file as QSS so that you get the higher standard deduction.   For the two years following the death of your spouse you should be getting the same standard deduction amount available for a married joint return, so that less of your income is taxable.   If your spouse passed in 2021, your 2021 return should have been filed as a joint return, and for 2022 and next year for 2023 (assuming you still have qualified child dependents) you file QSS.

To call TurboTax customer support

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899263-what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number

Customer support is available from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Pacific time daily 

[leyshsmith]

I see. I'll make sure to reach out to them. Thank you so much for your help!

[fanfare]

if you didn't file the correct status in 2021 you would have to amend.

There's nothing for TurboTax support to do

for 2022 and 2023 if you have children then you can file qualifying widow.

After that if you still have dependents you are Head of Household.

@leyshsmith 

[fanfare]

if you can't figure how to set the proper filing status, reply back here.

You'll get the procedure faster than by waiting on hold for Support.

@leyshsmith 

[Critter-3]

In the MY INFO section you should have entered your MARITAL status as Widow(er) and entered the year the spouse passed.   Then once you enter the dependents the option to be a qualifying surrviving spouse should have been choosen.  

Ignore the poorly written question about the agreement with the decedent ... the program is dumb ... just say no.