topic How to change the dates in the form Sch CA(540NR) for my spouse? in State tax filing

How to change the dates in the form Sch CA(540NR) for my spouse?

miamia — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 08:58:10 GMT

My spouse is a nonresident of CA and I am a part-time resident. We choose to file separately for CA state tax as she does not have any CA source income. However, in the form Sch CA(540NR), Part I, her move-in and -out dates can not be edited (listed under the Spouse/RDP column). They are forced to be the same as mine. Is there a way to leave them blank for my spouse?

Re: How to change the dates in the form Sch CA(540NR) for my spouse?

RobertB4444 — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 21:05:04 GMT

If you are married filing separately her move-in and move-out dates are irrelevant. Just make sure you tick the box that says she is a non-resident.

Re: How to change the dates in the form Sch CA(540NR) for my spouse?

miamia — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 21:39:29 GMT

Thanks, Robert!

Yes, I have ticked the box that says she is a non-resident, but her move-in and -out dates are still there on the form. In this case, I can still use the form, right? Correct me if I am wrong. Thank you again!

Re: How to change the dates in the form Sch CA(540NR) for my spouse?

DawnC — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 21:59:01 GMT

Yes, both part-time residents and nonresidents use Form 540NR. A nonresident return (540NR) is required when a resident spouse and a nonresident spouse wish to file a joint return.

As a part-year resident, you pay tax on:

All worldwide income received while a California resident
Income from California sources while you were a nonresident

Re: How to change the dates in the form Sch CA(540NR) for my spouse?

miamia — Sat, 19 Mar 2022 16:54:29 GMT

I found a solution myself:

In the form Sch CA (540NR), there is a line saying: "Check this box to transfer the information from the Yourself column to the Spouse/RDP column". Uncheck this box will clear the dates from my spouse who is a non-resident.

Re: How to change the dates in the form Sch CA(540NR) for my spouse?

NickNick1 — Sun, 20 Mar 2022 17:14:53 GMT

Hi @miamia, thanks for sharing your solution. I'm in a similar boat but wasn't able to find the box / line you're suggesting: "Check this box to transfer the information from the Yourself column to the Spouse/RDP column". I'm on the web/browser version of turbotax, I'm wondering if you used the app version of turbotax.

Can you provide a bit more clarity? Was it is in the Turbo Tax product where you found this line? It doesn't look like my Sch CA (540NR) (that I'm viewing from the print center) has the option to edit / clear my Spouse's incorrect residency information. Maybe there's a separate way to view these forms? Thanks for any additional support you can provide and thanks for returning and posting your solution!

Re: How to change the dates in the form Sch CA(540NR) for my spouse?

NickNick1 — Sun, 20 Mar 2022 17:58:11 GMT

I was on the phone with Turbotax representative, they suggested when filing separately, the spouse info on Sch CA(540NR) is ignored. Thanks again for sharing what worked for you.

Re: How to change the dates in the form Sch CA(540NR) for my spouse?

miamia — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 21:03:31 GMT

Hi Nick, yes, I am using the app version of TurboTax. I found the line/statement in the Form mode of the app. It is located in Part I of Sch CA (540NR).

When I printed the forms, this line/statement disappears, so I guess it was added by TurboTax as a helper function.

I am very glad you find it helpful.