You need to file a joint return. If you try filing married filing separately, you will not be eligible for several credits. You will have a larger income limit to receive the child tax credit if you file joint, and you will be eligible to claim the childcare credit if you paid someone to take care of your children while you worked.
By filing as “Married Filing Jointly” you will each get the $4050 personal exemptions and the standard deduction of $12,600 for a married couple.
You can file a joint return even if one of the spouses had little or no income.
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