Can we file seperate and can I claim our children?

gerbermom79 — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 09:35:32 GMT

We are married and usually file a joint return but I want to file seperate and claim the children. Is this possible?

Re: Can we file seperate and can I claim our children?

MayaD — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 20:56:04 GMT

If you were legally married at the end of 2022 your filing choices are married filing jointly or married filing separately.

Generally, filing jointly will give you a bigger refund or less taxes due:

In 2022, married filing separately taxpayers only receive a standard deduction of $12,950 compared to the $25,900 offered to those who filed jointly.
If you file a separate return from your spouse, you are often automatically disqualified from several of the tax deductions and credits ( Education credit, EIC, Child and dependent Care Credit)
In addition, separate filers are usually limited to a smaller IRA contribution deduction.
They also cannot take the deduction for student loan interest.
The capital loss deduction limit is $1,500 each when filing separately, instead of $3,000 on a joint return.

Please check the link below to compare which filing status is better for you:

Mike9241 — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 02:19:59 GMT

one more limitation if one itemizes both must itemize and if one takes the standard deduction both must take it.