You show 1 dependent; there are 3 of us; me, my wife and my son. What am I missing?

[AnnetteB · Accepted solution]

If you are filing a joint return with your spouse, neither you nor your spouse are considered “dependents” on the return. 

You will still see a total of 3 exemptions on your return – one for you, one for your spouse, and one for your dependent.

To verify this for yourself, take a look at your Tax Summary or your Form 1040.  Each exemption is $4050, so the total exemption amount for 3 would be $12,150. 

In order to preview your Form 1040, use the following steps while you are working in your tax return:

• In the navigation area on the left side of your screen, click Tax Tools to expand your choices

• Click Tools, which will open the Tool Center

• Click View Tax Summary under “Other Helpful Links…”

• Your exemptions will be listed on the Tax Summary page on the fifth line down

• Click Preview My 1040

• See line 42 for exemptions