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New Member
posted Feb 5, 2025 7:45:06 AM

If filing jointly is my spouse considered a dependent

Is a spouse a dependent

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1 Replies
Expert Alumni
Feb 5, 2025 7:49:05 AM

No, your spouse is not your dependent for tax filing purposes.  You may file jointly even if your spouse has no income to enter on the return.  This will increase your standard deduction allowance, and lower your taxable income.  

 

While a spouse may be referred to as a dependent in other contexts (insurance, military benefits, etc.) for tax purposes, they'll never be your dependent.