The family tax cut does not "split income"  It compares the income of both persons and calculates an amount to equalize the incomes, thus dropping you into a lower tax bracket.  In this way you pay less tax.  The calculation is what it is.  You get whatever reduction in tax that up to $2,000 max.  You are losing nothing.  It will not give you a refund, and it is for no other purpose than to reduce the amount of tax paid or payable.  If you already pay no taxes, you get no benefit.