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Level 8
May 15, 2021
Solved

Is it possible to file a MFJ return for the IRS and a MFS return for California. One spouse moved to a no income tax state in the middle of 2020 and has earnings in both states. The other remained a California resident for the entire year.

  • May 15, 2021
  • 7 replies
  • 27 views
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Best answer by Just-Lisa-Now-

So he was a full year CA resident and she was a part year CA resident, you'll still file MFJ and use the 540NR form (for part year residents too) since she's a part year resident.   

The Form CA has a place to show who lived where and the date she left, all his income will be taxable in CA, then you allocate only her income while in California to the 540.

7 replies

Just-Lisa-Now-
Intuit Community Champion
May 15, 2021

No, CA filing status needs to be the same as federal. 

You need to allocate the income properly on the Ca part year/nonresident return on Form CA

♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥Lisa♥¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪
Level 8
May 15, 2021

Lisa, the problem is that he remained a California resident throughout the year and into 2021 while she moved out of California in June of 2020.  I know that there was a rule in effect 30 years or so ago that said that in this type of situation the residency was treated as if they both lived where the husband lived.  I would guess that that rule may have changed!

Taxes-by-Rocky
Level 7
May 15, 2021

Maybe:  Bottom of page 11 in FTB Pub 1031 "no intention of reconciliation".

Don't know if that helps.

Taxes-by-Rocky
Level 7
May 15, 2021

Poolcleaner,

Just a reminder - as I often forget - CA is a community property state.

Hope things are well.

Level 8
May 15, 2021

So is Texas!  Wishing the same for you!