How should I file my return if my spouse recently died?
by TurboTax • 
Updated December 11, 2025 6:30 AM
Your best filing status depends on your situation:
If your spouse was still alive as of December 31, 2025, file your 2025 return jointly with your late spouse.
If your spouse died in 2025, file jointly with your late spouse unless you remarried in 2025.
In that case, file a joint return with your new spouse and file your deceased spouse's return as Married Filing Separately.
If your spouse died in 2023 or 2024, you didn't remarry in 2025, and you have a child that meets certain qualifications, you might be able to file as a Qualifying Surviving Spouse, which has certain tax advantages.
When you go through the Personal Info section in TurboTax, we'll determine if you meet those requirements.
