How to file if your spouse is not working

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If you are legally married you can file your tax return as Married Filing Jointly even if one spouse has little or no income.

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You can file a joint return even if one spouse had little or no income.

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 $29,200 (+ $1550 for each spouse 65 or older)  for 2024. 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.