Yes the IRS can offset your refund for child support owed by your spouse if you file a joint return. You may be able to file as "injured spouse" to protect your part of the refund if you file a joint return. You do not say how long he has been incarcerated. If you lived apart for at least the last six months of 2018 you *might* be able to file as head of household instead of filing a joint return. Perhaps you should share some more information with us in order to get more help. (But please no personal information).
INJURED SPOUSE
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1910698-how-do-i-file-form-8379-injured-spouse-allocation
Am I Head of Household?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894553-do-i-qualify-for-head-of-household
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2900097-what-is-a-qualifying-person-for-head-of-household
If you qualify as Head of Household, when you enter your filing status (single or married filing separately) into Personal Info, and then enter your qualifying dependent, TurboTax will offer HOH as your filing status.
**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.**
