Recently deceased Spouse - Impact on Taxes

[wbleickardt]

Since my wife passed away recently, how does that reflect on my income taxes? In particular, I assume I can still file a joint return early next year, and can I still use the standard deduction for BOTH of us? This will determine whether IRMAA extra charges on Medicare premiums may kick in. (We are/were both over 65).

[DavidT0202]

Hi @wbleickardt 

I am sorry to hear about your loss. 

The IRS has special rules for widows/widowers.    In the year your spouse passed, you can still file a joint return getting the full standard deductions.  After that you will file as a Qualified Widow if you qualify under the rules found HERE. 

Your best filing status depends on your situation:

• If your spouse was still alive as of December 31, 2022, file your 2022 return jointly with your late spouse
• If your spouse died in 2022, file jointly with your late spouse unless you remarried in 2022
  • In that case, file a joint return with your new spouse and file your deceased spouse's return as Married Filing Separately
• If your spouse died in 2020 or 2021, you didn't remarry in 2022, and you have a child that meets certain qualifications, you might be able to file as a Qualifying Surviving Spouse, which has certain tax advantages
  • When you go through the Personal Info section in TurboTax, we'll determine if you meet those requirements
    
    

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