Separate tax returns

Separate tax returns

Tax returns of married persons who choose to file their returns individually, usually because this approach produces lower overall tax payments.

Married Filing Separately

A filing status in which a married couple files individual tax returns instead of a single return. When two spouses file separately, each is taxed like a single individual. This usually results in a higher combined tax liability, but it may be advantageous if one spouse has significantly higher expenses or deductions.