Can you claim your spouse as a dependent in the military?

Being military does not change the rules for that. You do not claim a spouse as a dependent. If you choose to file married filing separately, both spouses have to file the same way—either you both itemize or you both use standard deduction. Your tax rate will be higher than on a joint return.

How much does the VA pay for a dependent spouse?

If you’re a Veteran with a 70% disability rating, and you have a spouse, plus 3 dependent children under the age of 18, you would start with the basic rate of $1,656.71 (for a Veteran with a spouse and 1 child).

Can You claim a spouse as a dependent in the military?

No. Being military does not change the rules for that. You do not claim a spouse as a dependent. If you were married at the end of 2017 your filing choices are married filing jointly or married filing separately. Married Filing Jointly is usually better, even if one spouse had little or no income.

Who are the dependents of a veteran claim?

A “dependent” can include a spouse, child, stepchild, or a dependent parent or parents. It is a claim that belongs to the veteran and, if granted, the payment is added on to the veteran’s monthly benefit payment.

What happens to the spouse of a military member who dies?

If a service-member died of a disease, injury, or disability that was incurred or aggravated on duty or during training, then the surviving spouse and other dependents can apply for additional monetary benefits.

How to add spouse and children to VA benefits?

To add spouses and children: VA Form 21-686c, Declaration of Status of Dependents If your child is over the age of 18 and attending school full time, in addition to VA Form 21-686c, you must also file: VA Form 21-674: Request for Approval of School Attendance To add a parent as a dependent: VA Form 21P-509, Statement of Dependency of Parent (s)

Can a married couple claim their spouse as a dependent?

If you’re married filing separately, you can claim an exemption for your spouse only if your spouse: Had no gross income. Isn’t filing a return. Wasn’t the dependent of another taxpayer, even if the other taxpayer doesn’t actually claim your spouse as a dependent.

What are the benefits of being a spouse of a veteran?

VA benefits for spouses, dependents, survivors, and family caregivers As the spouse or dependent child of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for certain benefits, like health care, life insurance, or money to help pay for school or training.

What is the definition of a dependent in the military?

For enlistment purposes, a dependent is defined as: A spouse, to include a common law spouse if the state recognizes such; or Any natural child (legitimate or illegitimate) or child adopted by the applicant, if the child is under 18 years of age and unmarried, regardless of whether or not the applicant has custody of the child.