File Together or Separate?

[nc83]

I was married and had a baby this past year. I have defaulted student loans and have had my return garnished for the past few years. He purchased a house before we were married. 

Should we file together or separately to maximize our cash in hand for the return? We cannot afford to lose out of the whole return to my student loan garnishment. If separate, who should claim the baby? 

Thank you for any insight! 

[HelenC12]

There are so many variables that I can't say which filing status is best for your tax situation. However, there is a way in TurboTax to see which way is more advantageous.

• Please see How can we compare married filing jointly with married filing separately?

Related information: Is it better for a married couple to file jointly or separately?