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    bxqball's Avatar
    bxqball Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jan 1, 2008, 09:21 PM
    Filing a dependent on my taxes
    I just recently got married and I'll be filing my wife as my dependent. What do I need to do file as a dependent?
    MukatA's Avatar
    MukatA Posts: 7,110, Reputation: 176
    Tax Expert
    		  
    #2

    Jan 3, 2008, 05:29 AM
    You can file only as Married Filing Jointly (MFJ) and Married Filing Separately (MFS).

    MFJ is always a better option. On your tax return you will get standard deduction of $10,700 ($5,350 for Single) and 2 exemptions of $3,400 each. So your total deduction is $14,100 if you don't itemize.
    AtlantaTaxExpert's Avatar
    AtlantaTaxExpert Posts: 21,836, Reputation: 846
    Senior Tax Expert
    		  
    #3

    Jan 3, 2008, 09:37 AM
    MukatA's advice is generally correct. You CANNOT claim your wife as a dependent if she is a U.S. resident. You CAN claim her as a dependent if she is a non-resident alien.

    However, occasionally, it is more advantageous to file separately than it is to file jointly, especially if the earned income of the two pouses are radically different.

    Most tax professionals will model the returns BOTH ways to determine which is best for the client.
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