My wife passed away in 2022. I was able to file a joint tax return for that year. Is it correct that I can file jointly for the succeeding two years (2023, 2024)?

[btunell]

It appears IRS regulations require that you have to have a dependent in order to file jointly for the next two years.

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

Right, only if you have a dependent.   You can file a Joint return the year your spouse died. For the next two years following a husband's or wife's death, the surviving spouse can file as a qualifying widow or widower if they have a qualifying child. That basically lets you continue to use the same tax brackets that apply to married-filing-jointly returns. After the year of death if you don't have a child you file as Single.

[xmasbaby0]

So sorry for your loss.   If you have qualifying child dependent you can file as a qualified surviving spouse for the two years after the passing of your spouse.   You will get the same standard deduction as the standard deduction for a joint return.