turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Announcements
Close icon
Do you have a TurboTax Online account?

We'll help you get started or pick up where you left off.

My spouse is dependent and unemployed. Can i file it as married filed jointly?

 
x
Do you have an Intuit account?

Do you have an Intuit account?

You'll need to sign in or create an account to connect with an expert.

1 Reply

My spouse is dependent and unemployed. Can i file it as married filed jointly?

Your spouse can never be YOUR dependent, but you can always file jointly with your spouse even if they are unemployed.  If you are saying that your spouse is being claimed by someone else as their dependent, then you can still file jointly.  However, whoever is claiming them as a dependent will not be able to claim them if you are filing jointly.  

One of the rules to claiming a dependent is that the dependent cannot be filing a joint return unless it is only to claim a refund of taxes withheld and nothing else.  For a further discussion of the dependency rules, you can see more information at these links Rules for Claiming a Dependent on Your Tax Return and IRS Publication 501 (starts at page 11).

Unlock tailored help options in your account.

message box icon

Get more help

Ask questions and learn more about your taxes and finances.

Post your Question