(This relates to Federal and California income taxes.)
BACKGROUND: Couple has lived in California all the time they have been married, over 10 years. Each has income independently of the other. They have a pre-nuptial agreement to keep all their finances separate. Although they have not lived together for the last few years, they are still legally married. They have always filed Married Filing Separately. Every year to date they have both filed using the Standard Deduction, or both have itemized their deductions. At this time one of them wants to use the Standard Deduction and the other wants to itemize.
QUESTIONS: Is there a legal way for them to do this?
If there is no legal option, what are the typical penalties if they do not both file the same way?
Other observations/recommendations appreciated.