Tax Year Prior to 2020: What is Community Property Income?

[aarongtax]

I'm filing Married Filing Separately and I live in California so I have to report some Community Property Income thing, but I don't know what it is. Is it just my income (box 1 of W-2)? Thanks!

[KarenL2]

Yes, that's part of it.  If you live in a community property state, you will generally split ALL income and deductions 50/50.  The exception would be income earned on assets or investments that were owned by a spouse prior to the marriage and not commingled. Also, inherited income that was not commingled. 

Also, when you file as Married Filing Separately, if one spouse itemizes on Schedule A, the other must also itemize on Schedule A.

Is it better for a married couple to file jointly or separately?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3288477

Married Filing Separately in a Community Property State

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3301943