schedule M clarification

[taxmom34]

my understanding of the $400 and $800 credit was that you had to have earned income. my question is if married filing joint and only one spouse worked and made $40,000 and other had little or no wages they still get the $800? i thought you both had to have more than $6900 to get the $800, right or wrong?

[Jesse]

I explain it as one spouse can "borrow" the other spouse's wages to receive the full $800 credit. So even if one spouse has no wages the full $800 is allowed.

[AJsTax]

Wrong,

the credit is $800 for MFJ, no matter who earned it.

[taxmom34]

thank you for quick response. i'm glad in this case that i was wrong, and thankful for the wise responders on this board.