Im getting married on december 16th 2017 and my partener is on social security do i file single or joint and can i claim him as a dependent

[pk · Accepted solution]

if your marriage is solemnized ( under the state law  and/or recognized by the state) by the 31st of December, you are married for the whole year. As such  you have only three filing status available to you --- Married Filing joint, Married Filing Separate and Head-of-Household ( if you are living separate ( from your spouse ) at least for the last six months of the year AND are maintaining a home for a dependent child or  for a relative.   You spouse is never your dependent

[VolvoGirl]

The best way to file is a Joint return.  Joint is one return combined for the both of you.  A spouse is never a dependent.  You file a Joint return and get a personal exemption for each of you.  An exemption is the same as claiming a dependent.

You will have to report their Social Security on your Joint return.  It might be taxable or not.  Up to 85% of Social Security becomes taxable when all your other income plus 1/2 your social security, reaches:
Married Filing Jointly: $32,000
Single or head of household: $25,000
Married Filing Separately: 0

And info on Getting Married…..
http://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/Family/Getting-Married/INF12006.html
 
Is it better to file Joint or Separately?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-is-it-better-for-a-married-couple-to-file-jointly-or-separ...