How can I maximize my return married filing spate with 3 dependents ???

[bluedeb · Accepted solution]

It is hard with filing Separate because you cannot claim some credits you maybe entitled to.  Generally, filing jointly will give you a bigger refund or less taxes due. When you file separately, your tax rate is higher and you won't be able to claim:

• Education benefits
• Earned Income Credit (EIC)
• Child and Dependent Care Credit (usually)
• Adoption Credit (usually)
• The same benefit married filing jointly couples get for personal exemptions, itemized deductions, the Child Tax Credit, and capital losses (all of these deductions are reduced by half)
• Itemized deductions if your spouse has already claimed the standard deduction, or the other way around.

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When Married Filing Separately Will Save You Taxes

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/Family/When-Married-Filing-Separately-Will-Save-You-T...