If I am filing MFS why do I need to enter my spouses total income?

[user891918]

Curious why I need my husbands total income if married filing seperatly

[SusanY1]

It is only required if you file taxes separately and also live in a state with community property laws.

In some instances, there are exceptions to the community property rules for income, but in most instances, the income of both spouses must be split on the tax returns as each spouse has an undivided interest in the "community income."

The states with community property laws are Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.