@jeffmcpa2010 It had nothing to do with convenience. It was more lack of knowledge (blame the education requirements in place). Moving forward will have to report the PITA shared community property. I'm just confused why IRS has not once required an amendment or even FTB for that matter. 

So the only benefit of MFS is if you want to separate capital gains or other income from assets prior to marriage? Seems very complicated and should be one of the most expensive returns to file.