Can I claim my spouse if they had no income?

kasterbean · ‎February 7, 2024

MinhT1 · ‎February 7, 2024

No. Unfortunately, the IRS doesn't allow you to claim your spouse as a dependent on a return, even if you completely supported her.

The good news is that you are still able to file a joint return with her, even if she had no income. For a joint return for tax year 2023, the Standard Deduction is $27,700 while on a Single status return, the Standard Deduction is only $13,850. By including her on the return as your spouse, you will have a higher Standard Deduction. This will help you to pay less taxes.

[Edited 02/07/24 | 11:58 AM PST]

@kasterbean

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VolvoGirl · ‎February 7, 2024

No a spouse is never a dependent. You just file a Joint return even if the have little or no income. Joint is the best way to file and has the highest Standard Deduction. And there are several credits you can't take if you file Married filing Separate.