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New Member
posted Feb 15, 2022 9:59:43 PM

Married filing jointly, spouse not in US

Hi, I am a married permanent resident, and right now in the US. My husband is also a permanent resident but left the US and hasn't been here for the year 2021 at all. So can I still file our taxes married file jointly? He is abroad but not working and has no income. Thanks

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5 Replies
Expert Alumni
Feb 16, 2022 5:24:54 AM

Yes, you can file married filing jointly. 

 

Please be aware, as a permanent resident, you and your spouse need to report all of your income, whether it was earned in the U.S. or abroad.

Level 1
Feb 21, 2022 11:52:29 AM

My husband and I file married joint, but I stopped working a few years ago. He’s the sole provider of me. I do not receive any income at all. Should he claim me as a dependent?

Expert Alumni
Feb 21, 2022 12:03:23 PM

No, your husband can not claim you as a dependent, you are his spouse.  The fact that you have not received any income does not prevent you from filing jointly with your husband.

@Eview

Level 15
Feb 21, 2022 12:06:05 PM

A spouse is never a dependent.  You just file a Joint return and get a higher Standard Deduction.  

Level 2
Feb 21, 2022 12:14:09 PM

Absolutely not.  You would have to list your name and SSN twice, once on top of the Form 1040 (pg. 1) under your husband's, and once under "Dependents" on Form 1040, and your return would be rejected.

If you were both under 65 years  old on 12-31-2021 (and you don't Itemize), you will get the Standard Deduction of $25,100.  There are no personal exemptions or dependency exemptions anymore.