Final answer:
To determine whether the individuals must file a California income tax return, their incomes must be compared to the state's filing requirement thresholds, based on their filing status and other factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Individuals must file a California income tax return if they meet certain income thresholds, which vary based on filing status, age, and other factors. To determine if the individuals in the scenarios given must file a tax return, we would compare their California adjusted gross income (AGI) and California gross income against the state's filing requirements for the 2022 tax year.
For example, in 2022, the filing threshold for a married couple filing jointly is generally higher than for a single individual. Given that Franklin and Jennifer have a California AGI of $32,500 and are married filing jointly, they would typically be required to file if their income exceeds the threshold for their filing status. The same principle applies to other filing statuses, such as qualifying widow(er)s with a dependent and single filers of a certain age.
Note that each taxpayer's situation can be unique, and other factors such as dependents, credits, deductions, or special tax situations might influence the need to file. For accurate thresholds and consultation, it's essential to refer to the latest California tax guidelines or consult with a tax professional.