Can I file jointly with unemployed, disabled spouse?

[carolcee4]

Do I claim my unemployed disabled spouse as a dependant?

[MinhT1]

No.  Unfortunately, the IRS does not 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 one spouse had no income. For a joint return for tax year 2024, the standard deduction is $29,200 while on a Single status return, the standard deduction is only $14,600.   By including her on the return as your spouse, you will have a higher standard deduction.  This will help you to pay less taxes.