Harpreet, whose husband died in December 2018, maintains a household in which her dependent mother lives. Which (if any) of the following is her filing status for the tax year 2019? (Note: Harpreet is the executor of her husband's estate.)
A)Single
B)Married, filing separately
C)Surviving spouse
D)Head of household
E)Married, filing jointly

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Harpreet can file as head of household since she is unmarried, maintained a household for her dependent mother for more than half the year, and can claim her deceased husband as a qualifying person for the year of his death. Filing as a surviving spouse would require Harpreet to have a dependent child, which she does not have. Filing as single or married filing separately would not give her the same tax benefits as head of household. Filing jointly with her deceased husband is not an option.

Harpreet, Whose Husband Died in December 2018, Maintains a Household