This means that all property married couples acquire while domiciled in California is community property. Each spouse owns an equal share of all community property. Separate property is all property owned separately by the husband or wife before marriage. It includes all property acquired separately after marriage, such as gifts or inheritances. Separate property also includes money earned while domiciled in a separate property state.
Community property ends when either one of the spouses dies.
It also ends when the decree of dissolution becomes final or when the couple separates with no intention of rejoining. Community Property - How to Figure Your Income. Community property laws affect how you figure your income on your state and federal returns if you're married and file separate returns. Your tax usually will be less by filing joint returns if you are married. However, sometimes it can be to your advantage to file separate returns.