(caveat- I don't use PS)

What is on F 540, Sch CA - line 9 b-2?

Federal and CA NOL's are often different.  Sch CA - Line 8 adds back the Federal NOL - THAT's why the numbers are identical.  Sch CA - line 9-b2 deducts the appropriate CA amount.

Is your client's income > $ 1M?