I dont understand what the personal exemption is

[PeterM · Accepted solution]

The personal exemption is an automatic deduction provided for by the IRS. Exemptions reduce your taxable income. You can deduct $4,050 for each exemption you claim in 2016. How you claim an exemption on your tax return depends on which form you file.

• If you file Form 1040EZ, the exemption amount is combined with the standard deduction amount and entered on line 5.
  

• If you file Form 1040A, complete lines 6a through 6d. The total number of exemptions you can claim is the total in the box on line 6d. Also complete line 26.

• If you file Form 1040, complete lines 6a through 6d. The total number of exemptions you can claim is the total in the box on line 6d. Also complete line 42.
  

There are two types of exemptions you may be able to take:

• Personal exemptions for yourself and your spouse, and

• Exemptions for dependents (dependency exemptions).

You can take one exemption for yourself unless you can be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer. If another taxpayer is entitled to claim you as a dependent, you can’t take an exemption for yourself even if the other taxpayer doesn't actually claim you as a dependent.

Please see the following link for more information IRS Publication 17 (click here).

[jordanlea914]

To correctly determine the Personal Exemption Allocation Election, we need to ask you a series of questions.
Did you and your spouse claim EQUAL amounts of the personal exemption amount of $6,300?

[bbbw41]

No

[taiiat]

does this still apply to enter in any exemptions since none are allowed in 2018?