After which significant life event can a married taxpayer switch to special surviving spouse status?

A married taxpayer can switch to special surviving spouse status after the death of their spouse. This status allows the surviving spouse to take advantage of certain tax benefits that can ease the financial burden following the loss. Specifically, it permits them to use the same joint return tax rates and standard deduction amounts that they would have enjoyed if both spouses were still alive, at least for a limited time.

The special status is beneficial during the two tax years following the spouse’s death, assuming the taxpayer has a dependent child. This provision helps provide financial relief during a challenging transitional period, allowing the surviving spouse time to adjust to new financial circumstances. In contrast, the other events like the birth of a child, graduation, or legal separation do not trigger availability for this tax status, hence they are not relevant in this context.