Unsure how to file this year

Ralphd19663

I got married in August of 2024. My spouse doesn't work and hasn't worked or filed taxes since 2006. Is it still best to file married filing jointly? I also have a disabled stepdaughter who lives with me year round. She receives SSI disability benefits. Can I claim her as a dependent?

JMSSGV

It's almost always better to file jointly, especially if one spouse has little or no income. But you can always run the numbers both ways.

Use this IRS Interactive Tax Assistant to determine if you can claim your stepdaughter: https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/whom-may-i-claim-as-a-dependent