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

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

princess144000 — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 04:01:04 GMT

Can my husband claim me?

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

DawnC — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 04:26:28 GMT

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.)?

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

xmasbaby0 — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 04:26:53 GMT

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.

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

Hal_Al — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 13:18:28 GMT

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.