By law you can claim your wife (and your kids) as dependent(s) for filing tax only after 5 calendar years, thus pay less tax. I have seen people claiming dependents before 5 calendar years. It is up to you how you want to file. Most of the time people get away with it, but if you are unlucky to get audited by IRS then you will be fined, plus you have to pay all the tax returns that you received. 

Sparty · Dec 6, 2013 10:12 AM