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New Member
posted Feb 13, 2025 6:14:05 PM

Can I count my spouse as a dependent if she requires full time support due to illness?

I am her primary caregiver, with a few hours/week of paid outside support.

0 2 2094
2 Replies
Level 15
Feb 13, 2025 6:16:59 PM

No.   A spouse is never claimed as a dependent.  File a joint return.   When you file a joint return you get the standard deduction for a married couple even if one spouse has little or no income.   Your standard deduction----the amount of income that is "tax free" for a joint return is $29.200 + $1550 for each spouse 65 or older.

Expert Alumni
Feb 13, 2025 6:20:05 PM

No, your spouse is never your dependent for tax purposes. You can use the filing status Married Filing Jointly even if you spouse has no income.

 

For additional information, review the TurboTax articles Should You and Your Spouse File Jointly or Separately?