You cannot file a joint return with a spouse who does not agree to file jointly. If your spouse already filed as married filing separately, that leaves you with the choice to file MFS as well, or maybe to file Head of Household IF you lived apart for at least the last six months of 2024 and you have physical custody of the children. If you did not live apart, then HOH is not an option which means married filing separately.
When you file MFS, you must adhere to several strict rules. If your spouse used standard deduction you must also use standard deduction or if he used itemized deductions then you are required to itemize deductions too.If you are in a community property state, it gets more complicated.
( Community property states: AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI )
https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/marriage/should-you-and-your-spouse-file-taxes-jointly-or-separ...
https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/income/getting-married-mean-taxes/L2Rgma...
https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/taxation/married-filing-separately-commu...
**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
