My wife died in October, 2025. How do I file joint or single? Is it clear in Turbo Tax?

[alarry21]

When spouse dies do I still file as joint?

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

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 $31,500 (+ $1600 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 · Accepted solution]

Since your spouse passed away in 2025, on the 2025 tax return you can file as Married Filing Jointly.

When entering your spouse's personal information, there is a screen where you can select that your spouse passed away and then enter the date of passing.