You only need to complete Form 8958 Allocation of Tax Amounts Between Certain Individuals in Community Property States if you were domiciled in a community property state. Community property laws only apply to those who are actually domiciled in the state.

Per IRS Publication 555 Community Property, page 2:

Domicile

The law of the state, or the law of the foreign country, where you are domiciled will determine if you have community property, community income, or both. If you and your spouse (or your registered domestic partner) have different domiciles, check the laws of each to see if you have community property, community income, or both.

You have only one domicile even if you have more than one home. Your domicile is a permanent legal home that you intend to use for an indefinite or unlimited period, and to which, when absent, you intend to return. The question of your domicile is mainly a matter of your intention as indicated by your actions. You must be able to show that you intend a given place or state to be your permanent home. If you move into or out of a community property state during the year, you may or may not have community income.

Factors considered in determining domicile include:

• Where you pay state income tax,
• Where you vote,
• Location of property you own,
• Your citizenship,
• Length of residence, and
• Business and social ties to the community.

Amount of time spent. The amount of time spent in one place doesn't always explain the difference between home and domicile. A temporary home or residence may continue for months or years while a domicile may be established the first moment you occupy the property. Your intent is the determining factor in proving where you have your domicile.

Note. When this publication refers to where you live, it means your domicile.

Note that any link in the information above is updated each year automatically and will take you to the most recent version of the webpage or document at the time it is accessed.