Filing taxes when married not living together.

Forum|Forum|6 years ago
February 7, 2020
3 replies
6 views

I'm filing MFS. My still husband and I haven't lived together in 5 years. Will he receive any kind of information from my filing? Or is his information used solely for the purpose to verify correct income and information?

By the way, TurboTax suggested my best filing status as Head of Household. This confused me as I was under the impression that only non-married people could file as HoH. I do have custody and provide fully for my children.

Not A Product Question

bktwist

Level 2

You can file seperately and claim head of household & still receive your earned income credit. I had to do it when I was married but didn't live together. I had 2 kids and that really helped me out. Make sure your husband doesn't claim the kids on his tax return unless you share custody.

bktwist

Level 2

And you ARE the head of the household!!

VolvoGirl

Level 15

Yes you can file Head of Household if you didn't live together and you have a qualifying child.

Can a married person file Head of Household?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/married/help/can-a-married-person-claim-head-of-household-filing-status/00/26366

Here's a FAQ for Head of Household

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/family/help/do-i-qualify-for-head-of-household/00/25539

Even though you don't live together you could still file a Joint return together. But you probably don't want to do that. No he doesn't get any info from your return. He should be filing MFS also. And you both need to file the same way. If one person Itemizes Deductions the other one must also Itemize. Or both take the Standard Deduction. And if you are in a community property state you do have to enter half of your spouse's income on your return and it tricky to figure out.

SF2822

Level 2

RE: Filing Federal Income Taxes Form 1040 when married but living apart and supporting children in a home. Suggest use Head of Household and list each child for whom you provided more than 50% of support (U S citizens, living with you entire year, not married, not claimed by husband). Consider child credits if you qualify. Consider Earned Income Credit if you qualify. From someone who majored in accounting (but not CPA) and who has done taxes for over 40 years. If you live in a state that taxes income, be sure to get any state forms needed to take advantage of your status.