If my filing status is married filing separately do we do 2 returns, one for each of us separately?

[massachusetts1]

2018 - We are married filing separately (and not living together). Do we both fill out our own Tax Return, and submit as Married filing Separately?

And if we do file 2 separate Returns, do each of us enter both our incomes on each of our Returns?  Or do we only enter our own income on our own Tax Return?

Thanks so much!

[DDollar]

Yes, you each file you own return.  You do not have to report each others income, etc.on your returns, just your own. But you do have to list your spouse's name and social security number on your return.  If one of you itemizes, the other spouse has to itemize (cannot take the standard deduction).  Also, if you live in a community property state, there are very specific rules about how you allocate income and deductions.

[massachusetts1]

Thank you for your quick reply. Very helpful. (I can't believe I couldn't find this question on the Forum.)

When you say "itemize", you mean the Schedule A deductions, or Schedule C (we don't use those) or any other deduction type form?  There will be only one item to report which is for only one of us-- a form to report School tuition and Loan amounts.  I forget Form number.  
Does that one item (tuition & loans) exclude each of us from the standard deduction?

I'm so sorry, what do you mean by "community property state"?  Is this for the State Return?  Also, We don't own a home. We've rented.

Thanks again!
Massachusetts

[DDollar]

Neither of you itemize, so it's not an issue.  I

The states having community property are Louisiana, Arizona, California, Texas, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, and Wisconsin. Community property states follow the rule that all assets acquired during the marriage are considered "community property."

[massachusetts1]

Thank you David. Very helpful clarification.  Kudos to you!