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March 17, 2021
Question

My husband was the primary filer. He died in 2020. Do I change to primary filer this year?

  • March 17, 2021
  • 1 reply
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How do I handle the death of my spouse who was the primary filer?

1 reply

March 17, 2021

I'm so sorry for your loss. 

 

No, don't do anything. Keep the tax return primary taxpayer and spouse as is. When you enter your spouse's date of death, TurboTax will automatically make you the primary taxpayer in tax year 2021 and future years. 

 

For tax year 2020, the IRS considers you married for the entire year and you can use the filing status "married filing jointly" when your tax return is prepared. 

  • TurboTax will put on the top of form 1040 for your spouse, "deceased" and your spouse's name and date of death.

 

 

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