@fma2022 - I am not the expert here, but have a question, are you listing your wife on the tax return at all??
per the information below, you are considered 'unmarried' so why are you answering how long you lived with your spouse in 2021?
isn't it immaterial since the State of CA considers you "unmarried" for this purpose?
Again not the expert, and do not know the CA return, but if there are questions about your marital status, should you be answering them as "unmarried / single" for this purpose??????
this is from FTB Publication 1540
Nonresident Alien Spouse/RDPs
If your spouse/RDP was a nonresident alien at any time during the year, you are unmarried or not a registered domestic partner for head of household purposes. If you are unmarried and not a registered domestic partner, you have a wider range of relatives who can qualify you for head of household filing status.
