- 1). Check to see if you qualify as a widow. According to the IRS, the requirements are as follows: (1) You were eligible to file a joint return with your spouse for the year your spouse died. (It doesn't matter whether you filed a joint return.) (2) You have not remarried in the two years since your spouse's death. (For example, your spouse died in 2007 or 2008 and you did not remarry before the end of 2009.) (3) You can claim exemption for your child or stepchild. (A foster child is not eligible.) (4) Your child has lived at home all year except for temporary absences. (5) You paid more than half the cost of keeping a home for the year.
- 2). Fill out the form. The IRS states that this filing status allows you to use joint return tax rates and the highest standard deduction amount, but does not allow you to file a joint return. To file under this status, you need Form 1040A or Form 1040. Check your filing status in the box on line 5. To figure your tax, use the Married Filing Jointly column of the Tax Table or Section B of the Tax Computation Worksheet.
- 3). See if you qualify for a joint return. This applies if your spouse died the year you are filing the return, and you have not remarried. You are responsible for filing your spouse's tax return, and may sign it with "Filing as surviving spouse."
- 4). File as a single or head of household if you do not qualify as a widow, or you have remarried. If you have no dependents, you can use Form 1040EZ. You can also use Form 1040A or Form 1040 and check the box on line 1, which indicates your filing status as single. To figure your tax, use the single column on the Tax Table or Section A of the Tax Computation Worksheet.
- 5). Seek professional help. If you have exhausted your resources and still do not feel comfortable filling out the forms, consult a professional.
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