Tax Year Prior to 2020: I'm stay at home Mom in CA and my husband is only one working in our family. How much can I earn before I have to pay taxes, and is it going to affect my husband's taxes?

[KarenL2]

Anything you earn will affect your community income and taxes.  California is a community property state.  If you file a joint tax return, all income and deductions are added together on the same return.  If you file separately, then it is spit 50/50 on each of your respective tax returns.

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