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Do I have to file taxes if I didnt make any money last year, but only a school form 1098 T?

Can my husband claim me?
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3 Replies
DawnC
Expert Alumni

Do I have to file taxes if I didnt make any money last year, but only a school form 1098 T?

You don't have to include the 1098-T, but if you are married, you probably should be filing jointly with your husband.   If you are married, your filing status options are MFJ or MFS.  You can't claim your spouse as a dependent.  

 

 

Is it better for a married couple to file jointly or separately?

What is my tax filing status (single, married, etc.)?

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Do I have to file taxes if I didnt make any money last year, but only a school form 1098 T?

No, your spouse cannot claim you as a dependent.  A spouse can never be claimed as a dependent.  File a joint return.   You can file a joint return even if one spouse had little or no income.   Then you get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $27,700.  And if you file a joint return you can get education credit.   If you file a separate return you are not eligible for education credit.   

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
Hal_Al
Level 15

Do I have to file taxes if I didnt make any money last year, but only a school form 1098 T?

Q. Do I have to file taxes if I didn't make any money last year, but only a school form 1098 T?

A. Simple answer: yes. And you want to file as Married Filing Jointly (MFJ) with your spouse. 

 

But taxes are complicated, not simple.  You, individually, are not required to file  a tax return if you have no income. But, you would need to review your 1098-T to sure none of your scholarship is taxable. Then, if it was, whether it was enough to meet the filing requirement. 

As others have already said, you are not allowed to claim an education/tuition credit if you file individually (Married Filing Separately-MFS).  But you are allowed a (usually) generous tuition credit if you file MFJ.

Although your spouse is technically not allowed to claim you as a dependent, by filing as MFJ, you/he get all the benefits of a dependent and much more. 

 

Bottom line: you need to file a joint return and enter the 1098-T. 

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