Married couple filing separately, what option should I put so that he is not listed as a dependent?

[Erika]

I noticed on my Tax Return document that it had marked my husband as "someone can claim your spouse as a dependent," which isn't true. I can't claim him as a dependent either. I'm filing for just myself. 

While filling out my return, there's at one point that the page says "We just need a few more details about (spouse name). Check any that apply." And the options are:
-Spouse had no income in 2018

-Spouse won't file a tax return for 2018

-No one else can claim Spouse as their dependent for 2018

-None of these apply. 

Which one should I be selecting if I'm only filing for myself, I can't nor can anyone else can claim him as dependent, and he's filing his own 2018 return? 

[PaulaM · Accepted solution]

'None of these apply' should be chosen if no one can claim your husband as a dependent. On his return in the My Info section, he should deselect that someone else can claim him if it does not apply to him.

[Erika]

Thank you!

Also, is this something could hinder him from filing his own taxes this year if I don't amend?  

[PaulaM]

Yes if you already filed, and if you claimed your spouse as a dependent (spouse's are never dependents), then he won't be able to efile his return.

[Erika]

Thanks so much!

[PaulaM]

You're welcome!

[EN99]

Along those lines... I made a big mistake on our taxes. I filed Married. separately for myself yesterday, only to realize I should’ve filed Married, jointly with my husband. Now, I need to Amend my return once it’s Accepted, so I can add my husband. Currently, he has not filed his taxes, and Separately he would owe over $1250 in taxes today. What do I do so he isn’t penalized for not filing, while I wait for the green light to Amend and refile Jointly? I wish I could Cancel my filing, as it’s Pending, anyways.

[PaulaM]

Your husband should file as married filing joint. He'll have to paper file because your social has already been used. Then you can amend your's when your original return is fully processed.

[EN99]

THANK YOU FIR HELPING ME!!

[EN99]

*FOR

[PaulaM]

You're welcome 🙂