Filing status if married and not living together

[KrisD]

You have a couple of options.

You and your husband can file Married Filing Jointly. You both would report on one return.

You can file Married Filing Separately. There are certain credits that are not available when filing this way. Also, both spouses must claim deductions the same way. You both must Itemize Deductions on Schedule A, or both claim the Standard Deduction.

If you lived apart for at least the last 6 months of 2016, and you have a qualifying child, you might be eligible to file Head of Household.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3288637