do i need to file married file jointly if my husband didn't work last year

[VolvoGirl]

Yes.  If you are married you file as Joint or Married filing separately.  Joint is the best way to file especially if one spouse doesn't work.  You will get a higher standard deduction for Joint.  Did he get unemployment or social security?  Oh and you can not claim him as a dependent.  Just file Joint.  

[xmasbaby0]

You can file a joint return even if one spouse had little or no income.   That way you get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $29,200 (+ $1550 for each spouse 65 or older) which makes less of your income taxable, and you are eligible for more child-related credits like earned income credit or education credits.   A spouse cannot ever be claimed as a dependent.

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/marriage/should-you-and-your-spouse-file-taxes-jointly-or-separ...

[rjs]

You are not required to file as married filing jointly, but as others have said, you are better off filing that way.