My spouse and I are filing separately. How do we go about splitting deductions (mortgage interest, property taxes, medical expenses, etc.) ???

[cksnowden4]

Ideally, my spouse would take most or all of the mortgage interest/property tax since he has more income. we live in Ohio

[Opus 17]

There's no strict black and white rule.  In general, you split them based on who paid for what.  If your incomes were combined, you can split them in any reasonable way, except that if there are person-specific donations then only that person should claim them (his medical expenses, her donated clothes, etc). Just be aware that if one spouse itemizes, the other spouse must also itemize, so you can't shift all the deductions to one spouse and the other spouse use the standard deduction.

[VolvoGirl]

Is there a specific reason you want to file separate returns?  It is usually better to file Joint. Joint has the lowest tax rates and the highest Standard Deduction.   And if you are in a Community Property state MFS gets tricky to figure out.  Here's some things to consider about filing separately……

In the first place you each have to file a separate return, so that's two returns.  And if you are using the Online version that means using 2 accounts and paying the fees twice.  

Many people think they come out better when filing Married Filing Separate but they are probably doing it wrong.  If one person itemizes deductions then the other one must itemize too, even if it's less than the standard deduction, even if it is ZERO!  

And there are several credits you can't take when filing separately, like the
EITC Earned Income Tax Credit
Child Care Credit
Educational Deductions and Credits

And contributions to IRA and ROTH IRA are limited when you file MFS.

[SweetieJean]

OHIO?  See this:
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.ohiotaxadvisor.com/filing_status_of_married_filing_separately_may_save_on_income_taxes_ov...>
Be sure to scroll down through the entire article.

[cksnowden4]

VolvoGirl, thank you for your reply! We are filing separate returns so I can qualify for a lower student loan payment. With that new info, please provide any further advice. thanks

[VolvoGirl]

I missed that you were in Ohio.  So MFS can be better in Ohio.  See SweetieJeans comment.

[SweetieJean]

Keep in mind that income-based student loan repayment plans often run for 20 years or more. Your tax situation is likely to change during that time.

[SweetieJean]

Also see this:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-married-filing-jointly-vs-married-filing-separately