BobKamman
Level 15

There are many cases where the former spouses are trying to do everything right, and it's quite possible that a couple could be sharing a "community" for several months before splitting and being divorced by the end of the year.  However, there are many other cases where revenge and retribution play a big part in how one, or the other, files.  Be sure that the community was still recognized under state law, for the time you are splitting the income.  And be sure the divorce was final before the end of the year.