I did not work for the year of 2016, how do I file?

[roseeney]

My husband and I always file together. 2016 is the first year that i did not work, and did not earn any income. So obviously I have no w-2s to enter. Do I file with him? Does he claim me as a dependent? Help please!

[retiree · Accepted solution]

If you have always filed MFJ there is no reason to change.

MFJ is for marrieds even if only one has income or one has a greater income

[LinaJ2018]

Although you did not have any income in 2016, you can still file Married Filing Jointly with your spouse. Your spouse does not need to claim you as a dependent separately.  By filing Married Filing Jointly, you both will get your standard deduction of $12,600 to reduce your taxable income, unless you itemize to get a bigger tax break, if the total itemized deductions is more than the standard deductions.