Dear Tax expert,

I am a resident alien. I got married last year(Nov 2008) and my wife is on her H4 visa. I will be filing 1040 jointly.

I am confused over how many exemptions I can claim on box 6 of the 1040.
I check the "Yourself" box on the form i.e.6a since nobody else can claim me as a dependent. Next I also check the box for spouse i.e. 6b. There are no other dependents.

On the right hand side the form asks Boxes checked on 6a and 6b. I am thinking this is two. So box entry for 6d will also be 2.

So now this means I can claim $7000.00 as exemption.

I am not sure if I can claim $7000.00 or should it claim $3500.00 when filing jointly.

Clarification in this regard is appreciated

Thanks in advance,

Sk_launch :)

When you file joint return, then you get two exemptions.