I have made a mistake before on my taxes and ended up owing them money. So I want to make sure I have it right this time. I have been married for over a year so I’m wondering how to file if my wife makes no income.
My next question is, I have a step son. How does that work exactly?
You still file a Joint return and can claim step son as a dependent. Didn’t you file Joint last year? How old is the son?
If you were married as of Dec 31,2024 you should file a Joint return even if your spouse didn’t have any income. That should change your return. You will get a higher Standard Deduction. Joint is better than claiming her as a dependent.
When did you get married? If you were married before 12/31/23 you could have filed Married Joint for 2023 too.
You still file a Joint return and can claim step son as a dependent. Didn’t you file Joint last year? How old is the son?
We weren’t married during the tax season last year. Our son is 5.
If you were married as of Dec 31,2024 you should file a Joint return even if your spouse didn’t have any income. That should change your return. You will get a higher Standard Deduction. Joint is better than claiming her as a dependent.
When did you get married? If you were married before 12/31/23 you could have filed Married Joint for 2023 too.