widow

[Rick150]

Helping mom file taxes, dad died in 2023. Normally file joint, his name 1st.

Filed jointly one last time(some soc income), but obviously her name on file 1st. Fine on TTax, but after filing electronically, rejected due to AGI not match. I believe it doesn't match as dad soc sec # was 1st on return last year, and now her name first, as he can't sign return. Is there no way to file electronically? dread mailing and having to wait for refund.

son. 

[xmasbaby0]

So sorry for your loss.  The order of the names should have stayed the same as in past years on the joint return.   Changing the order of the names can cause confusion with the IRS.   Since the return was rejected---you can fix it and re-file.   Go back to the order that the names were in last year.    When you change the order of the names you will also need to go back through the screens and enter income under the correct spouse's names throughout the software.

For your mom:   

In My Info, you will need to indicate that your spouse died. When his 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 he passed.

If they filed a joint return for 2022 the AGI on line 11 of the 2022 Form 1040 is the same for each spouse.  

[Rick150]

thanks, I think as you say, its about the order of their names/soc sec #. The challenge is I cant go back to last years submission and change order. Mom did taxes w/TaxCut. But I will see if I can change order this yr. If not looks like will have to mail in.

[xmasbaby0]

Wait---you do not have to go back to the 2022 return and change the order of the names on that.  You just need to stay consistent with that order for 2023.    

[Rick150]

Thanks, I had to start over and add my dad 1st and it worked!