Widow filing

Forum|Forum|6 years ago
February 13, 2020
2 replies
4 views

My husband died in Feb. 2017. I am just now realizing, I don't think we filed our taxes for 2016. Can I still file them as a widow?

xmasbaby0

Level 15

So sorry for your loss. You can file the 2016 return, but you will file a joint return. You were not a widow in 2016. In My Info you will have to say that your spouse passed away before filing the return, and enter the date that he passed. You will not be able to e-file; e-filing is permanently closed for 2016.

To file a return for a prior tax year

If you need to prepare a return for 2016, 2017, or 2018 you can purchase and download desktop software to do it, then print, sign, and mail the return(s)

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

Remember to prepare your state return as well—if you live in a state that has a state income tax.

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s. Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

Note: The desktop software you need to prepare the prior year return must be installed/downloaded to a full PC or Mac. It cannot be used on a mobile device.

If you are getting a refund, there is not a penalty for filing past the deadline. If you owe taxes, the interest/penalties will be calculated by the IRS based on how much you owe and when they receive your return and payment. The IRS will bill you for this; it will not be calculated by TurboTax.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900990-how-do-i-file-a-prior-year-tax-return

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

opalo1944

Level 2

My husband Joseph DePaola passed away April 9,2018 This Year I'm filing as a widow

My name is Ona DePaola Last year filing was for both of us

xmasbaby0

Level 15

@opalo1944 Very sorry for your loss. You say you are filing as a widow. For 2018, the year your spouse passed, you were able to file a joint return. For 2019, you can file as a widow if you still have dependent children. Otherwise, you file as Single.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/4149272-i-heard-that-the-federal-qualifying-widow-er-requirements-have-changed-and-also-that-states-vary-in-how-this-is-handled

If you need to file Single, then you should start a new account with a different user ID. That is because it is too hard to remove the spouse's information from an account that was used for a joint return in earlier years. If you try to use the old account, you may have error messages and problems that will keep you from being able to e-file.