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

A married couple may never file a different status on their federal and state returns.

A married couple must always file MFJ.

They may use a dffeent status on the California return. This is an exception to the general rule in California for active duty.

They must file with the same status as the federal return. They may then amend to a different status