Should I file my tax return for 2018 in my husband's name with me as the spouse since he died on January 13, 2019?

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

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 $24,000 (+ $1300 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 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 you have dependent children still living at home, you will be able to file as a qualified widow for the next two years after this tax return.  Post back if you need further help.

Note: If you always filed with his name first, do it that same way.  Do not change the order of the names on the return.