Final answer:
Jeremy's correct and most favorable 2022 filing status is 'b Married filing jointly' since the IRS allows the surviving spouse to file jointly for the year of the other spouse's death. However, since Veronica remarried within the same year, she would file jointly with her new spouse, David.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to the determination of filing status for tax purposes when a spouse dies during the year. Jeremy's correct and most favorable 2022 filing status would be b Married filing jointly. Under IRS rules, if a spouse dies during the tax year, the surviving spouse is typically allowed to still file a joint return for that year. However, because Veronica remarried within the same tax year, this scenario changes slightly.
For her, the most favorable filing status would be filing jointly with her new spouse, David, thus claiming married filing jointly with David for 2022. Jeremy's status on the joint return would still be denoted as married, as if he had lived throughout the year. Veronica can also choose to file as married filing separately with Jeremy, but it is likely less beneficial. It is important for her to review all possible tax benefits and implications with a qualified tax professional.