When one spouse is an active duty servicemember, are married couples required to file with the same filing status on both their federal and California returns?

A married couple is required to use the same filing status on their federal and California returns.

A married couple must always file using the married filing jointly filing status.

If they file a joint return for federal purposes, they may file separately for California.

They must first file with the same filing status they used on their federal return. They may then amend to a different filing status.