If I claim my wife as a dependent do I still file a married joint return?

[LCA_097]

My wife is a stay at home Mom and has 0 income for 2014.  Should we file as married filing jointly or should I file separately and claim her as a dependent?

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

You do not list your spouse as a dependent.   You can file a joint return even if your spouse had little or no earnings. Married Filing Jointly is usually better. When you file a joint return, you and your spouse will each receive the $3950 personal exemption, plus the married filing jointly standard deduction of $12,400.  You are eligible for more credits including education credits, earned income 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.