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How should I file my return if my spouse recently died?

SOLVEDby TurboTax2552Updated January 13, 2023

Your best filing status depends on your situation:

  • If your spouse was still alive as of December 31, 2022, file your 2022 return jointly with your late spouse
  • If your spouse died in 2022, file jointly with your late spouse unless you remarried in 2022
    • 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 2020 or 2021, you didn't remarry in 2022, 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

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