ThomasM125
Expert Alumni

State tax filing

Since your spouse lived there for a portion of the year she would be taxed on her worldwide income during the period of her residency. Even though she doesn't work, half of your income belongs to her under the community property rules, as mentioned by  @AmyC . If her income is less than $43,127 (assuming no dependents) for the time she lived there, then she wouldn't have to file a tax return, per the schedule on this California Tax Board publication: Do I need to file in CA?

 

Also, there may be an issue with you still being a California resident. If you are away temporarily, meaning you plan on returning to California when you are done working out of the country, then you may still be considered a California resident, especially if you own a home there.

 

 

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