Spouses Can Claim Each Other’s Provisions

Spouses may claim certain expenses on either return. Included in this optional treatment are medical expenses, charitable donations, and political contributions.

In the case of the medical expenses, the spouse with the lower taxable income should make the claim. If the lower earner is not taxable, or the claim is otherwise worthless, save the receipts for possible use next year. Also remember to check whether the Refundable Medical Expense Supplement may be available.

Charitable donations made by both spouses or either, should be grouped together on the same tax return as amounts over $200 will reap a larger tax reward.

Finally, political contributions should be claimed on the return of the spouse who is taxable. If both are, claim these contributions on the return of the one who owes the most at the tax filing deadline.