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December 31, 2024
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Joint filing and dependent

  • December 31, 2024
  • 1 reply
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I have made a mistake before on my taxes and ended up owing them money. So I want to make sure I have it right this time. I have been married for over a year so I’m wondering how to file if my wife makes no income. 
My next question is, I have a step son. How does that work exactly? 

    Best answer by VolvoGirl

    You still file a Joint return and can claim step son as a dependent.   Didn’t you file Joint last year?  How old is the son?   

    1 reply

    VolvoGirl
    VolvoGirlAnswer
    Employee
    December 31, 2024

    You still file a Joint return and can claim step son as a dependent.   Didn’t you file Joint last year?  How old is the son?   

    Ktgvy98Author
    December 31, 2024

    We weren’t married during the tax season last year. Our son is 5. 

    VolvoGirl
    Employee
    December 31, 2024

    If you were married as of Dec 31,2024 you should file a Joint return even if your spouse didn’t have any income.  That should change your return.  You will get a higher Standard Deduction.  Joint is better than claiming her as a dependent.  

    When did you get married?  If you were married before 12/31/23 you could have filed Married Joint for 2023 too.