Should I file as head of household, since my husband passd aay 08/08/2016?

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

So sorry for your loss.  For the tax year in which you lost your spouse you can still file a joint return, which is more advantageous--you get the personal exemptions for both of you and the married standard deduction--all of which lower the amount of income you are taxed on.   As you go through the questions in Personal Info, you will be able to indicate that your spouse passed away before filing the return.  The heading on the screen will say "Do any of these apply to   spouse name  ?  You check that he passed away, and then a drop down will appear in which you will enter the date your spouse died.

If you need any further help as you prepare your return, please post back on Answer Xchange.  We will be glad to help.

I should add that if you have dependent children, for the next two years following your spouse's death, you can then file as a qualifying widow.