@2go hmmmm. from that response, seems like you want to file JOINT...... it is unlikely that filing SEPARATE yields a better financial outcome. I have never seen that occur (other than related to student loan repayment situations). Suggest working the tax return both ways to prove it to yourself - remember 96% of married couples file JOINT. there is a reason for that!
You can file JOINT, even if you lived apart for the entire year. JOINT vs SEPARATE has to do with whether both of you will sign the same tax return or not...not whether you jointly lived under the same roof or lived under separate roofs.
