How does my wife who passed last year work into our joint filing status

[Gary Scarborough]

I'm really confused now.

[Monty20]

Sorry for your loss.  If your wife lived during 2021, you can still file "married filing jointly" and the deduction that goes with it.   Check that box on the 1st page of the 1040.  Then you will have to enter her electronic signature to approve the return.  IRS is OK with that.  If she died in 2020, you cannot elect that option.  And for 2022, you'll be filing single unless you marry.  

Sorry again for your loss. 

[bluedeb]

Sorry for your loss.  Since your wife passed in 2021, you can still file your 2021 tax return as Married Filing Joint (as long as you have not re-married in 2021).  There will be a question that states did they pass before the filing of the 2021 return.  When enter your spouse's information you will come to a screen asking if they passed away during the year.  Check  the box and then enter the date of their passing.  TurboTax will enter on your return information about her passing.

Also, see the following:

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/family/death-in-the-family/L5albFXM4

[MinhT1]

I'm sorry for your loss.

If your wife passed in 2021, you can still file your 2021 tax return as Married filing jointly.

In the My Info section of TurboTax, please indicate that she is deceased and enter the date of death.

For more information, please this TurboTax article.