Can i claim my spouse's exemption on a return with a married filing separate status?

[gregorybrian]

That is not entirely correct. Please see the IRS.gov for this (2017) rule:

Separate return.

If you file a separate return, you can take an exemption for your spouse only if your spouse had no gross income, isn’t filing a return, and wasn’t the dependent of another taxpayer. If your spouse is the dependent of another taxpayer, you can’t claim an exemption for your spouse even if the other taxpayer doesn’t actually claim your spouse's exemption.

[MinhT]

No, you do not have an exemption for your spouse when you file Married filing Separately.

[marcjy1]

Thank you for that answer, is there  also no spousal exemption if the filing is head of household?

[gregorybrian]

That is not entirely correct. Please see the IRS.gov for this (2017) rule:

Separate return.

If you file a separate return, you can take an exemption for your spouse only if your spouse had no gross income, isn’t filing a return, and wasn’t the dependent of another taxpayer. If your spouse is the dependent of another taxpayer, you can’t claim an exemption for your spouse even if the other taxpayer doesn’t actually claim your spouse's exemption.