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 quitting her job to take care of our baby. Should I change my exemptions to claim her as an exemption?

We are going to be having a baby later this year and my wife is going to be quitting her job a few months before. She will make over $4000 this year but will receive more than half of her income from me. 

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 Best answer

Accepted Solutions
IreneS
Intuit Alumni

My spouse is quitting her job to take care of our baby. Should I change my exemptions to claim her as an exemption?

No - Your wife is not a dependent.

 

You could change your exemptions so that less or more withholding is taken from your paycheck.  For a discussion of this topic, see the article:  Top 5 Reasons to Adjust Your W-4 Withholding

 

Regardless of whether your wife is working, you would still file a joint return.  Your wife does not become a dependent when she quits work, however, your baby will be and may also qualify you for the Child Tax Credit, Child Care Tax Credit and others.

 

[Edited | 4/8/2020 |  9:26am PDT]

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post
**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"

View solution in original post

2 Replies
IreneS
Intuit Alumni

My spouse is quitting her job to take care of our baby. Should I change my exemptions to claim her as an exemption?

No - Your wife is not a dependent.

 

You could change your exemptions so that less or more withholding is taken from your paycheck.  For a discussion of this topic, see the article:  Top 5 Reasons to Adjust Your W-4 Withholding

 

Regardless of whether your wife is working, you would still file a joint return.  Your wife does not become a dependent when she quits work, however, your baby will be and may also qualify you for the Child Tax Credit, Child Care Tax Credit and others.

 

[Edited | 4/8/2020 |  9:26am PDT]

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post
**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"

My spouse is quitting her job to take care of our baby. Should I change my exemptions to claim her as an exemption?

your spouse is not a dependent. Where did you get that idea?

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