If I'm unemployed and I don't make any money all year, do I still have to file taxes on April 15th?

Question

Also, if my wife makes money, can she claim me as a dependent even if I'm her husband?

I lost my job in early April and already filed. I'm just wondering for the next tax year.

(thank you for everyone who posted!)

Answer 1

Your wife and you would file a joint return, claiming an exemption for both of you. It would not matter that you are working or not. If you collect unemployment you would claim that income on the return. Your wife cannot claim you as a dependant, a spouse is never a dependant

See publication 501
http://www.irs.gov/publications/p501/index.html

Answer 2

If you are married you may file jointly even if only one spouse works. Assuming no children, you will get two exemptions plus either the standard deduction or your itemized deductions. The tax brackets favor this over filing separately. If you make any money in odd jobs (whether "under the table" or not) you are required to report it on a tax return. A return (joint or separate) must be filed if you earn more than $400 from self-employment income.

Also, if you are collecting unemployment, you will receive a 1099 from your state. If you have not elected to have taxes withheld, you should be prepared to pay when you file next April.

Answer 3

A spouse can't be claimed as a dependent, but you can file a joint return even if only one of you had income, and take an exemption for each of you.

No, you don't have to file if you didn't make any money, but depending on how much your wife made, SHE might have to file - if she does, then your best bet is almost surely to file a joint return.

Answer 4

Your wife cannot claim you as dependent because you are not one of the children. You do have to file taxes, especially if you were getting any unemployment benefit. If you were getting any unemployment benefit, you owe the government money.

That means you owe the government money and since it is past April 15, you have to pay the fine as well as the interest.

Answer 5

Unemployment compensation is subject to Federal income tax and every state that I know of that has income tax (some 6 states do not have personal income tax). The state that is paying unemployment to you will send you a 1099-G after the end of the year with the amount paid, and any amount you elected to have withheld for taxes, and this goes on your 1040 and your state personal income tax return. It also gets reported by unemployment to IRS and the state revenue agency.

Best wishes in getting a new job soon ! ! !

Answer 6

Well, it's a little too late to file at this point, but the good news is that if your wife filed jointly (which makes total sense), you don't have to file either state or federal taxes.

If you elect not to file, the IRS will file for you and pretend you claimed a standard deduction with an exemption. This works out to meaning that you can *probably* be OK sleeping at night if you made less than $8000 last year from interest, investment income, work income, and any other income you might have.

Assuming your wife is filing jointly, she can claim herself and you as a dependant. This means a ~$16300 deduction, assuming she doesn't have a six figure income.

Answer 7

If you made no money, never paid into the system (Like FICA, etc) then no, you do not need to file. In addition, your wife will be listed as Head of Household but I don't think she can claim you as a dependent. Your tax rate should be reduced since you only had one income. Hope this helps!!!

Answer 8

good question, i dont think so, if u get paid under the table i knoe u dont have to file taxes, those mafias

Answer 9

yes, you should have claimed unemployment.