My wife and i have been separated for a long time but still married can i file single on my taxes?

Question

well me and my wife have not lived togather for almost the whole year and we both suport our kids even though they live with her can we file single or head of house hold

Answer 1

Unless you went before a judge and got a "separate maintenance decree" then you are still "considered married."  Such decrees exist in some states and are similar to a divorce in that they award maintenance/alimony.

In general, you and your wife and still file married jointly or, if you did not share a roof at any time from July 1st to December 31st, she can file HOH and you would file as MFS.  She has custody of the children so she's the one that claims them unless she voluntarily signs a form 8832 over to you.  (The form 8832 allows you to claim the exemption and child tax credit,  The form MUST be attache to your tax return.)

Answer 2

If you lived apart for more than half of 2007, your wife can file as head of household, you are married filing separate.

Answer 3

Neither of you can file as single.  If you did not live together anytime after June 30th and you are able to claim one or more of the "kids" you can file as HOH.  Be prepared to prove that the child lived with you or you get a form 8832 release from your wife. otherwise you file MFS.