File jointly with spouse or with me as a dependent

[Potassium]

Hello

I'm filing my US tax return and have a question on which is the better route - to file jointly with my spouse so I can add her as an exemption, or for her to claim me as a dependent.

My wife doesn't work and has no income and I think therefore I could be claimed as her dependent.

I'm using TT and this is one of the very first questions, I don't understand this part it quote relating to this:

"Martial status: Generally, a dependent cannot file a joint tax return with a spouse. THe only exception is when the dependent files a joint return only to get a return of taxes paid and, if separate returns filed, neither dependent or spouse would have a tax liability".

As my wife doesn't work and has no income can I file jointly to get the exemption and also claim her as a dependent of me?

[nelsona]

Spouses are always exemptions.