Can a spouse file a return with interest only they earned and mark they can be claimed on someone else's return and still be claimed jointly with spouse?

[Coleen3 · Accepted solution]

The rule for taxpayers who wish to file jointly while one is claimed as a dependent is below.

 "You can’t claim a married person who files a joint return as a dependent unless that joint return is filed only to claim a refund of withheld income tax or estimated tax paid."

Basically, that would mean that, if your file a joint tax return with your spouse, it's possible for you to be claimed as a dependent on your father return, but only if your income for the year was too low for you to owe any taxes. That means "getting all your withholding back."

In terms of interest, which is not earned income, your income would have to be very low not to incur a tax liability. 

Standard Deduction for Dependents

The standard deduction for an individual who can be claimed as a dependent on another person's tax return is generally limited to the greater of:

1. $1,050, or

2. The individual's earned income for the year plus $350 (but not more than the regular standard deduction amount, generally $12,000).