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New Member
posted Jun 4, 2019 2:48:36 PM

TuboTax shows an "Exemption Amount" of $8,100 on my 1040. What is this for?

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1 Best answer
Expert Alumni
Jun 4, 2019 2:48:38 PM

[Edited 01-08-2019]  For tax years prior to 2018, everyone (unless they are claimed as a dependent on someone else's return) gets a "personal exemption" on their tax return that reduces their taxable income.  For 2016, the personal exemption is $4,050 per person.  So, if you are filing jointly, you and your spouse get that exemption ($4,050 x 2 = $8,100).  The exemption applies to the taxpayer, spouse, and dependent children.

10 Replies
Expert Alumni
Jun 4, 2019 2:48:38 PM

[Edited 01-08-2019]  For tax years prior to 2018, everyone (unless they are claimed as a dependent on someone else's return) gets a "personal exemption" on their tax return that reduces their taxable income.  For 2016, the personal exemption is $4,050 per person.  So, if you are filing jointly, you and your spouse get that exemption ($4,050 x 2 = $8,100).  The exemption applies to the taxpayer, spouse, and dependent children.

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 2:48:41 PM

we dont get it in 2018 do we

Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 2:48:43 PM

No you do not. Personal exemptions were eliminated by the new tax laws.

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 2:48:44 PM

woow thats terrible

Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 2:48:46 PM

The standard deduction has been doubled though so many people will pay less tax.

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 2:48:47 PM

thank you everyone..

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 2:48:48 PM

Turbo Tax included the 8,100.00 exemption on my 2018 return. Why?

Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 2:48:50 PM

What--no.  There are no personal exemptions for a 2018 return.  The new tax law eliminated that.  What software did you use to prepare a 2018 return?

Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 2:48:51 PM

Are you a dependent on someone else's return?  You can get a reduced Standard Deduction lower than Single is 12,000.

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 2:48:53 PM

Turbo Tax was used. I'll have to examine my return more carefully. It may have been an exemption in conjunction with Social Security. Thanks for your responses.