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June 3, 2019
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Wife owes back child support so MARRIED FILING SEPARATE. She has no income, should I claim her as a dependent or will they take my return to pay her dues?

  • June 3, 2019
  • 1 reply
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Best answer by MichaelL1

Your wife cannot be your dependent.  

The IRS makes it clear that you cannot claim your spouse as a dependent on your tax return in Publication 1 exemptions, standard deduction and Filing information. 

It says, "Your spouse is never considered your dependent." 

1 reply

MichaelL1
MichaelL1Answer
Employee
June 3, 2019

Your wife cannot be your dependent.  

The IRS makes it clear that you cannot claim your spouse as a dependent on your tax return in Publication 1 exemptions, standard deduction and Filing information. 

It says, "Your spouse is never considered your dependent." 

June 3, 2019
I’m sorry I am mistaken, it’s a “personal exemption” that I’m not sure about. It says something along the lines of:
do any of these apply
Spouse has no income
Spouse won’t file a tax return
Spouse can not be claimed by anyone

So my question is, if I select the 3 options above and claim her as a “personal exemption” will they take my refund to pay her back child support?