Should I claim my spouse as a dependent if he is outside of the US and we are currently filing for his visa in order for him to qualify?

[xmasbaby0]

A spouse can never be claimed as a dependent.

MY SPOUSE LIVES ABROAD AND/OR DOES NOT HAVE A SSN

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-credits-deductions/file-taxes-spouse...

[Vanessa A]

No, you cannot claim a spouse as a dependent. If you are married, your only filing options are Married Filing Jointly or Married Filing Separately.  In both situations, your spouses SSN must be included on the return in order to e-file. 

If they do not have an SSN and you choose to file Married Filing Separate , you will need to print and mail your return and write NRA (Non Resident Alien) in the space for her SSN. 

If you file as Married Filing Separate, then you would only include your income. 

 If your spouse chooses to be treated as an US Citizen for tax purposes, and you want to file as Married Filing Joint, you would need to include their income on your return as well and they would be taxed on it. If you choose filing jointly, you will need to print and mail your return along with the W-7 and any other required documents to

IRS

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