Can I claim my spouse as a dependent ?

Question

I am the head of the household, support my wife & kids and have a regular job; we have two young children, my wife is filing a 1099 and made less than $2000.

Additionally, which form do I use - 1040A?

Answer 1

No, you never claim a spouse as a dependent. And you can't file as head of household - that's only for people who aren't married. Your best bet would be to file a joint return including both your income and your wife's 1099. Your other option is for both of you to file as married filing separately, but you'd pay more total tax that way.

On a joint return you'll get an exemption for you and one for your wife. If you file separately, you'll each take one exemption, for yourself.

A return with a 1099 is filed on form 1040. If you file joint, that's what you'll use. If you file separately, your wife will use a 1040, and you will use 1040A or 1040, and for both of you, your filing status will be married filing separately - for tax purposes, you are NOT head of household.

The 1099 info will be entered on a schedule C or C-EZ along with any eligible deductible expenses, and then use a schedule SE to calculate self-employment tax - the schedules C and SE will go with your joint return, or hers if you file separately.

Answer 2

If you are married, you are not allowed to claim head of household. Your filing options are:
-married filing jointly or
-married filing separately

Your wife is your spouse, NOT your dependent.

Answer 3

File married jointly, add her 1099 to the income.That should work out best for you both.

Answer 4

You should file married filing joint.
She is treated like a dependant in that you get an exemption of $3,300 taken off your adjusted gross income

Answer 5

Your wife is definately your dependent.