Married filing separately on a joint return. should i divide the responsibility between my husband and i?

[retiree]

"married filing separately on a joint return are mutually exclusive!  You can't do both.

A Joint return means you and your husband file ONE tax return JOINTLY for BOTH of you.

If you BOTH insist on filing separately MFS, then you each must file a separate return --and you each must either use the Standard Deduction or Itemize even if it disadvantages one of you.  There are also various exemptions, credits, etc which you cannot claim if you file MFS.

NOTE:- however that the IRS requires certain information for both spouses to be on each MFS return.  If you do not include the required information for your spouse the IRS will reject your return.

MFJ is usually best for married, regardless of income of each or if indeed one has no income.