Is it better to file jointly if spouse does not work or is it better to file by myself and claim spouse as a dependent if spouse does not work.

[HelenaC]

A spouse cannot be a dependent. If your spouse had income, you could file Married filing separately but generally, filing jointly will give you a bigger refund or less taxes due.

Please see the information below:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3288477

[Zbucklyo]

Also, there is no such thing as a dependent spouse.  You can either file jointly with your spouse, or file 'Married Filing Separately' .  As the prior answer indicates it is almost always better to file jointly rather than separately, even if one spouse has no income.  You can't claim your spouse as a dependent on your tax return.  You will get an exemption for your spouse if you file jointly.