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New Member
posted Jun 4, 2019 12:11:26 PM

Can you claim a spouse member as a dependant if he or she is not working but lives in the household?

Do you have to claim military service connected disability compensation on your tax return or is it tax free

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1 Best answer
Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 12:11:27 PM

You NEVER claim a spouse as a dependent.  File a joint return.  

Married Filing Jointly is usually better, even if one spouse had little or no income. When you file a joint return, you and your spouse will get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $24,000 (+$1300 for each spouse 65 or older)  You are eligible for more credits including education credits, earned income credit, child and dependent care credit, and a larger income limit to receive the child tax credit. 

If your spouse is receiving VA benefits they are not taxable and do not get entered on your return.

1 Replies
Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 12:11:27 PM

You NEVER claim a spouse as a dependent.  File a joint return.  

Married Filing Jointly is usually better, even if one spouse had little or no income. When you file a joint return, you and your spouse will get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $24,000 (+$1300 for each spouse 65 or older)  You are eligible for more credits including education credits, earned income credit, child and dependent care credit, and a larger income limit to receive the child tax credit. 

If your spouse is receiving VA benefits they are not taxable and do not get entered on your return.