What form should my wife file if she is not a dependent and does not file taxes but eligible for stimulus

[xmasbaby0]

Why are you not filing a joint return?  That would make a lot more sense.

If you were legally married at the end of 2020 your filing choices are married filing jointly or married filing separately.

Married Filing Jointly is usually better, even if one spouse had little or no income. When you file a joint return, you and your spouse will get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $24,800 (+$1300 for each spouse 65 or older)  You are eligible for more credits including education credits, earned income credit, child and dependent care credit, and a larger income limit to receive the child tax credit.

If you choose to file married filing separately, both spouses have to file the same way—either you both itemize or you both use standard deduction. Your tax rate will be higher than on a joint return. Some of the special rules for filing separately include: you cannot get earned income credit, education credits, adoption credits, or deductions for student loan interest. A higher percent of your Social Security benefits may be taxable. Your limit for SALT (state and local taxes and sales tax) will be only $5000 per spouse. In many cases you will not be able to take the child and dependent care credit. The amount you can contribute to a retirement account will be affected. If you live in a community property state, you will be required to provide additional information regarding your spouse’s income. ( Community property states:  AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI)

If  you are using online TurboTax to prepare your returns, you will need to prepare two separate returns and pay twice.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-married-filing-jointly-vs-married-filing-separately

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901162-married-filing-separately-in-community-property-states

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-is-it-better-for-a-married-couple-to-file-jointly-or-separ...

[bluedeb · Accepted solution]

Did you file a joint return with her in 2019?  If you did, then she does not have to do anything.  The IRS will use your information from your 2019 joint return which would also include receiving money for your spouse.  Right now there is no information from the IRS regarding non filers.

If she did not file a return in 2019, then when you file your 2020 joint return (if you file one), the program will ask if you received your 2019 stimulus check, if you did not receive your full amount the program will ask you how much you received.  Any stimulus money  you are still qualify for will be added to your 2020 tax refund.