Norton's spouse died in 2014. Norton has one child, age 7, living at home. Norton provides all of the support for the child. The child lives with Norton during 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 Norton's most advantageous filing status is

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Norton can file as "Married filing jointly" in 2014 because the spouse died during that year. For the next two years (2015 and 2016), Norton can file as a "Surviving spouse" since he has a dependent child. In 2017, Norton should file as "Head of household" as the surviving spouse status is only available for two years following the year of the spouse's death.

Norton's Spouse Died in 2014