Wife deceased this year

[hammondodge]

My wife, Norma passed away on March 12th. of this year. In the past, we had always filed jointly. However, her income at the time of her death was just $7,500 - clearly under the limit for filing. My income will be roughly $19,680 filing separately.

My question: Do either of us need to file tax returns for 2023? 

Thank you.

[emina]

Hello and thank you for joining us today!

I am sorry about your loss.

For 2023, you are still entitled to a married filing joint filing status. This will give you a higher standard deduction than filing separately. You would include both of your incomes. And based on the numbers you provided, almost all of it will be excluded from federal tax. It is good to file if there is any federal tax withheld, this will allow you to get a refund. And even if no taxes were withheld on Norma's side, filing together will give you the joint standard deduction. 

The 2023 standard deduction is $13,850 for single filers or MFS, $27,700 for joint filers. And based on your income, it looks like you are required to file, even if deciding to file separately.

Here is an IRS link with some additional information on this: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/how-to-file-a-final-tax-return-for-someone-who-has-passed-away