My wife died in Feb 2024. I am filing a joint return. What are the rules for the standard deduction in this instance. The return is using a single filer std deduction

[wolfgang6]

The tax rate is married filing jointly

[xmasbaby0]

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 $29,200 (+ $1550 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 her 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 she 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://accountants.intuit.com/support/en-us/help-article/tax-filing-status/claiming-qualified-survi...

[DoninGA]

When entering your personal information you should have indicated that you are Married and will be filing the tax return with your spouse.  Meaning you will be filing as Married Filing Jointly.

The Standard Deduction for Married Filing Jointly is $29,200 if both spouses are under age 65 and not blind.

Standard deductions for 2024

Single - $14,600 add $1,950 if age 65 or older
Married Filing Separately - $14,600 add $1,550 if age 65 or older
Married Filing Jointly - $29,200 add $1,550 for each spouse age 65 or older
Head of Household - $21,900 add $1,950 if age 65 or older

[Vanessa A]

If your wife died in February 2024, you can still choose to file as Married Filing Jointly.  If you file as married filing jointly, then your standard deduction would be $29,200 if you are under 65.  You can add $1,550 for each spouse over 65 if you are over 65.

You will need to go back to the personal info section and select that you want to file a joint return.