Skip to main content
Level 1
July 10, 2025
Solved

do i need to file married file jointly if my husband didn't work last year

  • July 10, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 58 views
No text available
Best answer by xmasbaby0

Expert Reviewed

You can file a joint return even if one spouse had little or no income.   That way you get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $29,200 (+ $1550 for each spouse 65 or older) which makes less of your income taxable, and you are eligible for more child-related credits like earned income credit or education credits.   A spouse cannot ever be claimed as a dependent.

 

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/marriage/should-you-and-your-spouse-file-taxes-jointly-or-separately/L7gyjnqyM?srsltid=AfmBOopGqCNexowW0pYgvsf7ycIkrx4VjO_63UXv6vSnfu3UEGQiKQTh

 

3 replies

VolvoGirl
Level 15
July 10, 2025

Yes.  If you are married you file as Joint or Married filing separately.  Joint is the best way to file especially if one spouse doesn't work.  You will get a higher standard deduction for Joint.  Did he get unemployment or social security?  Oh and you can not claim him as a dependent.  Just file Joint.  

xmasbaby0Level 15Answer
Level 15
July 10, 2025

Expert Reviewed

You can file a joint return even if one spouse had little or no income.   That way you get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $29,200 (+ $1550 for each spouse 65 or older) which makes less of your income taxable, and you are eligible for more child-related credits like earned income credit or education credits.   A spouse cannot ever be claimed as a dependent.

 

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/marriage/should-you-and-your-spouse-file-taxes-jointly-or-separately/L7gyjnqyM?srsltid=AfmBOopGqCNexowW0pYgvsf7ycIkrx4VjO_63UXv6vSnfu3UEGQiKQTh

 

**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.**
rjs
Level 15
Level 15
July 11, 2025

You are not required to file as married filing jointly, but as others have said, you are better off filing that way.