In a community property state most property that is acquired during a marriage is considered owned jointly by both spouses.  In the event of death, divorce or annulment the property is divided. Community property laws also apply to Registered Domestic Partners (RDP's) in certain states, such as California.   Federal tax law generally defers to state law on matters relating to property. 

Generally, if you file a federal tax return separately from your spouse, you must report half of all community income and all of your separate income.  A Registered Domestic Partner must also report half of all community income and all of his or her separate income on their federal tax return.  Generally , the laws of the state in which you are domiciled govern whether you have community property and community income or separate property and separate income for federal tax purposes. 

There are 10 community property states:

1.  Alaska*

2.  Arizona

3.  California

4.  Idaho

5.  Louisiana

6.  Nevada*

7.  New Mexico

8.  Texas*

9.  Washington*

10. Wisconsin

*These states are Community Property States and also have No State Income Tax.

If a taxpayer in a community property state files a Married Filing Separate (MFS) return, they must fill out the MFS Allocation for Community Property states.  This is found under Income > Miscellaneous Forms in our program. This is where they will list their spouse's return information.  For Registered Domestic Partners you would fill out your federal returns separately and then combine your information on the state return only.

For more information on Community Property see Publication 555