What is the best way for me to file federal income taxes if I am separated and I have 1 of my 2 children.?

I am wondering what is the best way for me to file taxes. I am separated and living in different house from my spouse. I have 1 of my 2 kids with me. Should we still file married jointly or married separate? Also which of us can file head of household or how does it work in these type situations? Can both of us claim head of household? Thanks!

Public Comments

1. HONESTLY THE RETURN IF FILED MARRIED WOULD BE MUCH MORE THAN FILED SEPARATELY.
2. Both of you should file separately and head of household. The tax law for head of household is determined by the presence of the child. Separately is a condition that indicate that you get separate checks, and taxes are recorded to different SSN.
3. You and your spouse should each file as married filing separately and file one child each. Neither of you can claim head of household because you're still married. In cases of separation, many couples do end up filing together because it's more beneficial and easier in terms of claiming children and other deductions.
4. the easiest way would be married filing seperate, that will clear up most of your confusion I think.
5. Generally, "Married filing joint" is better tax wise. YOU HAVE TO FILE AS MARRIED since you are married. Don't listen to anyone that tells you to file as HoH or single (e.g., "whatevit"). THEY ARE WRONG..
6. Maried filing joint is the best rate if you can cooperate with your separated spouse. The rules for head of household are complicated, but you probably don't qualify since you are married. Here is an article explaining the whole HoH mess. http://www.internet-taxprep.com/plindex.asp?welcome=WU9900641&page=taxguide/text/c60s10d040.asp The easiest way to figure this stuff out is to use an on-line tax program. Also, you can see how much you are getting back before you pay. I like this one because it donates part of your fee to charity. http://www.internet-taxprep.com/wichitasouth or http://www.internet-taxprep.com/hopeworldwide But, don't use turbotax, they get your numbers wrong.
7. If you did not live with your spouse at anytime during the last 6 months of 2006, you both can file as HOH, assuming you meet the other HOH requirements. If your income(s) are low enough, you might each get substantial EIC.
8. It depends on how long you've been separated. If you have not lived together at any time during the second half of 2006, and you provided the main home for a dependent child, then you can file as head of household. If your spouse has the other child living with them and you haven't lived together during the last half of the year, it's very possible that you can both file as head of household. Otherwise, your choices are married filing joint or married filing separately. As long as you aren't divorced as of 12/31, you're allowed to file a joint return no matter how long you've been separated. Filing joint will most likely give you the lowest taxes, but figure it both ways. If one or both of you would be eligible for EIC, you might be better off with the head of household filing.