Can I file married w/ separate returns if I am married . My husband is retired & we file w/ standard deductions. Would it benefit me to file married or separate returns?

[VolvoGirl]

It is usually better to file a married Joint return instead of Married filing Separate.   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 on Schedule A then the other one must itemize too, even if it's less than the standard deduction, even if it is ZERO!  And if you are in a Community Property state it can be complicated to figure out.

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.

Also if you file Married Filing Separately up to 85`% of your Social Security becomes taxable right away even with zero other income.

See …….

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/married/help/is-it-better-for-a-married-couple-to-file-jointly-or-...

[TeresaM]

If you are in a community property state, you would be required to have any common income split equally if you file separately.  They are Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. 

If you are not in a community property state, you have more flexibility but there are still some tax credits that will only be available if you file jointly. You may wish to mock up a return each way and see which would be most beneficial with your situation. TurboTax will not charge until you are ready to file, so if you have one you do not use, there is no cost.

This TurboTax Help article gives some examples of differences in filing married separately or jointly.