Should I file joint with my wife if she died on 01/03/2021?

[cmathis435]

Should I file joint with my wife if she died on 01/03/2021?

[pk]

@cmathis435 , I am so sorry for your loss.

Yes for the first year, i.e. tax year 2021, you can file married Filing Joint. 

regards, 

pk

[NCperson]

sorry for your loss...yes, you are permitted to file joint in the year the spouse passes (more complicated rules apply if the surviving spouse remarried that same year - it happens)

Also, although you did not ask, you are entitled to your spouse's stimulus payment.  The rule is if you were alive on 12/31/20 and otherwise eligible for the stimulus, then it's yours to keep.

https://www.hrblock.com/tax-center/filing/personal-tax-planning/qualifying-widow-or-widower/

[xmasbaby0]

Very sorry for your loss.  For the year that your spouse died, you can still file a joint return.  That way, you will get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $25,100 (+ $1350 for each spouse 65 or older) which will lower the amount of income you are taxed on.

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

If you have dependent children you will be able to file as a qualified widower for the next two years after this tax return.  Post back if you need further help.

https://blog.turbotax.intuit.com/tax-planning-2/tax-implications-for-taxpayers-who-have-lost-a-spous...