is a spouse a dependent?

[MinhT1]

No.  Unfortunately, the IRS does not allow you to claim your spouse as a dependent on a return, even if you completely supported her.

The good news is that you are still able to file a joint return with her, even if one spouse had no income. For a joint return for tax year 2024, the standard deduction is $29,200 while on a Single status return, the standard deduction is only $14,600.   By including her on the return as your spouse, you will have a higher standard deduction.  This will help you to pay less taxes.

[xmasbaby0]

A spouse can NEVER be claimed as a dependent.   File a joint return.

You can file a joint return 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.