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Losing a spouse is a difficult time in anyone’s life. Although you may feel like the grief will never end, it’s important to move forward with your life. Believe it or not, time will take the edge off of the pain, and, eventually, the happier memories will begin to replace your deep sense of loss. In the meantime, try not to think too much when little reminders pop up. Don’t be surprised if something as simple as opening the mailbox to find a bill in his or her name or filing your annual taxes brings fresh tears to your eyes. This is perfectly normal. Let’s take a look at how you can make filing your income taxes as a widow or widower a little easier:
Tax Considerations after Losing a Spouse
It can be complicated to determine how you should file after losing your wife or husband. You’ve probably marked the little box to indicate you’re filing a joint return for so long that it simply feels weird to choose anything else. In fact, not marking it may feel like the final step in letting go. However, the IRS has been compassionate in this matter; you have a little time before you have to make a complete change over to a single status when filing your income taxes. To determine your new filing status, follow these steps:
- If your spouse died within the tax year and you have not remarried, you can still file as married filing jointly for that year.
- If your spouse died in the last two tax years, you have not remarried, your home was the primary residence of a dependent child, and you paid over half of the maintenance of your home, you can file as a qualified widower.
- After two tax years have passed, you will need to determine your filing status without taking your prior marriage into account.
Although it can be painful, don’t ignore your income tax return.
