Status Change from Spouse to Primary Filer in 2020

[Lisa3588]

In 2019 and all prior years, I filed Married Joint.  My husband died in 2019 so 2020 going forward I will be filing single.  Since the primary SSN and filer was my husband, I've been told that I have to establish a new account for 2020 forward with my SSN as primary.  Will any information from my 2019 TurboTax file carry over to 2020 or must I start as a new filer?

[MarilynG1 · Accepted solution]

I am sorry for your loss.  Since your husband died in 2019, you can still file as Married Filing Jointly for tax year 2019 (current). 

If you have a dependent child, you can file as a Qualifying Widow for two years after your husband's death.

If not, it would be best for you to start a new TurboTax account in just your name for 2020, with a new User Name and Password, and yourself as the Primary Taxpayer.

Unfortunately, you will also need to re-enter your information (at least for the first year).

[julie-george]

I have a similar issue, however, my husband died January 2, 2020. Now my efile return has been rejected even though I have the right AGI. I tried switching the two names on the return to have my name first and my husband's name second and it was still rejected.

[MayaD]

Sorry for your loss. If your husband passed away in 2020 you still can file a joint 2019 and 2020 returns.

If the IRS rejected your return because of the AGI, you can request an online transcript or a copy by mail from the IRS transcript website to make sure the AGI is matching the IRS records.

What if I entered the correct AGI and I’m still getting an ...

[julie-george]

Unfortunately, I've run into problems getting what IRS has for the AGI, but I also know that the AGI is correct. I electronically filed through TurboTax and verified my paper copy of the return. I'm wondering if it has anything to do with my husband's passing. 

[CatinaT1]

Time-saving Tip: If what you entered is correct and you continue to get a reject, you won't be able to e-file. There's probably a data mismatch at the government, or some other situation beyond your control that prevents your return from being e-filed. In this case, your only option would be to print and mail in your return.

This article will give you instruction on how to print and mail your return.