We've been living together for years but didn't marry until last year. So we've each filed our own. Since it's my first marriage, I'm barely learning about the credits you mention and tax bracket changes when filing together vs. separately.
He did mention he doesn't get a refund because it goes towards the child support, so I am guessing- yes.
We do live in Texas (community state) and file standard deduction (not itemized).
I usually owe between $300-600 to IRS each year. I barely learned a few months ago I was supposed to change my W4 after marriage.
So yeah...I still have quite a lot to learn about marriage and dependents... =/
