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Hi,

I have a query regarding state tax filing for my situation.

For tax year 2012, I was living in California for the first 15 days. My paycheck reflects California tax deducted for the first 15 days.

I then moved to Texas and living there ever since.

1)My paystub reflects Texas state (no state taxes) since Jan 30 2012.

2) In my W-2, I only see California mentioned under "State". No Texas mentioned in W-2 even though I lived and worked there for the entire year barring the first 15 days.

3) Even though, I moved to Texas and my paystub reflects that from Jan 30,2012, I didn't get a Texas drivers license till now and also had home rental lease in California on my name active till Feb 2013.

Should I file California State tax even though I worked there only for 15 days in the year and CA state tax deducted was just $260 from my paystub ?

Am I considered California resident since, I failed to change my drivers license to Texas and had a rental home lease active in California?

If I had to file CA tax, which form should I fill?

Please provide your suggestions.

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

File the California return as a part-year resident.

On California Form 540NR(CA), you will detail when you moved and what part of your income was earned in California, thus paying California taxes ONLY on the California-sourced income.

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Thank You AtlantaTaxExpert!

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

Glad to help!

[ebaines]

Just to add - the reason your W2 doesn't list "TX" under state is because no income tax was withheld for TX (as you note there is no state income tax in TX). The purpose of that box is to document state taxes withheld, not to document where you lived. Among other things it lets the IRS see that you probably shouldn't be claiming a huge deduction on your federal tax return for state income taxes paid.

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

Good points made by ebaines!

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Thank You ebaines!