Question

My wife passed away 3/22, how do I claim her as a dependent for 2021?

Forum|Forum|4 years ago
April 8, 2022
2 replies
0 views

Turbo tax defaults to 1 dependent

TurboTax Deluxe Online

Employee

We are very sorry for your loss. You never claim a spouse as a dependent though. You can file a joint return for 2021 and in My Info you will need to indicate that she passed away before filing the return.

That way, you will get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $25,100 (+ $1350 for each spouse 65 or older) which will lower the amount of income you are taxed on.

Since she died in 2022, you will also be able to file a joint 2022 return next year in 2023 and you will be able to get the standard deduction for filing a joint return for 2022. ($25,900 (65 or older + $1400 per spouse)

**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.**

T

TomK2023

She would not be considered a dependent. If your spouse was still alive as of December 31, 2021, you should file your 2021 return jointly with your late spouse.

I'm very sorry for your loss.

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