Why am I being asked to provide gross income of my wife when we are filing separately? Also why is my refund from last year consider taxable income?

[rockthe80s]

Both problems didn't happened last year and so why it is now? Refunds is money the government owes me because I paid to much in taxes and so how I can it be consider income???

[retiree]

You should note that when you file MFS (MARRIED Filing Separately), you and your spouse must still list each other on your separate tax returns.  The IRS requires that you BOTH must either use the STANDARD deduction, or ITEMIZE deductions --even if it disadvantages one of you.

If you itemized last year then you state tax refund must be reported.