My husband and I are separated and live in different state (Louisiana and Mississippi) how does that affect filing?

[bjustice]

Do I in Louisiana, need to provide my husband information on my return?  If yes, what information do I need? Does he need to include my information on his return?

[DanielV01]

It depends.  Since you live in Louisiana, a community property state, you have additional complications to file a Married Filing Separate return.  Here is an FAQ that does provide guidance, however:  https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3301943

To file separate returns, yes, you each would need the other's information to e-file if you are required to file Married Filing Separately. If you do not have this, you will need to mail in your return.   More than a few couples, when faced with these complications, decide to file a joint return instead.  That option is still a valid choice even though you are living in separate states.

However, if you are legally separated, and your state recognizes legal separation, then you may file as single, which will not require all of the complications described above.  You would be able to file on your information only, claiming deductions and credits without concern for all of the Married Filing Separately issues.  Please see this TurboTax webpage for more information:  https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/Family/Tax-Tips-for-Separated-Couples/INF22372.html

Also, if you have children, and lived apart from your husband for at least the last 6 months of the year, you may claim Head of Household status, which also removes the complications of the Married Filing Separate status.