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[brieanbrie2]

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[CatinaT1]

Why are you not filing jointly? Do you live together? Who does your son live with?

It is almost always better to file jointly.  There are some special circumstances where it is better to file separately. 

Here is a great article explaining the advantages of filing jointly and the consequences of filing separately.  It also gives you some instances when it might be better to file separately. 

Filing Jointly vs Separately 

[cesmith1162]

I'm guessing you are divorced or separated, that being fact, the taxpayer making less money would get a larger EIC for the child, if qualified.  But if both make too much money to get EIC, then you will have to work out plan with the other to claim Child every other year.  

Good luck

[xmasbaby0]

Please explain what you are trying to do.   Are you and your spouse separated?    Living apart?  For how long?   At least the last six months of 2023?   Or married and living together?    If you are together then there is no "sharing" the child-related tax breaks if you file Married Filing Separately.   One parent can claim the child if you file that way.

Why are you filing separate returns---usually the worst way to file?   

If you were legally married at the end of 2023 your filing choices are married filing jointly or married filing separately.

Married Filing Jointly is usually better, even if one spouse had little or no income. When you file a joint return, you and your spouse will get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $27,700 (+$1500 for each spouse 65 or older)  You are eligible for more credits including education credits, earned income credit, child and dependent care credit, and a larger income limit to receive the child tax credit. 

If you choose to file married filing separately, both spouses have to file the same way—either you both itemize or you both use standard deduction. Your tax rate will be higher than on a joint return.

 Some of the special rules for filing separately include: you cannot get earned income credit, education credits, adoption credits, or deductions for student loan interest. A higher percent of your Social Security benefits may be taxable. Your limit for SALT (state and local taxes and sales tax) will be only $5000 per spouse. In many cases you will not be able to take the child and dependent care credit. The amount you can contribute to a retirement account will be affected. If you live in a community property state, you will be required to provide additional information regarding your spouse’s income. ( Community property states:  AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI)

 If  you are using online TurboTax to prepare your returns, you will need to prepare two separate returns and pay twice since with online, you get one return per fee.

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

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901162-married-filing-separately-in-community-property-states

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-is-it-better-for-a-married-couple-to-file-jointly-or-separ...