Question

I started a new job in Washington but my family is still in California. Will I have to pay California income tax?

Forum|Forum|2 years ago
November 7, 2023
2 replies
0 views

Hi,

I started a new job in Washington (a Washington company) in October. My spouse and child are living in California until next year. My wife will continue in her job in California until next year. Should we file jointly or separately? Do I still pay California income tax on earnings from my new job?

Thank You

Not A Product Question

A

Anonymous_

Employee

See https://www.ftb.ca.gov/file/personal/residency-status/index.html

Hal_Al

Employee

For income tax purposes. you are still considered a CA resident until the family relocates.

F

FresYesAuthor

Thank You Hal,

How about the wages I earn in Washington? Are those subject to California income tax?

Thank You

Hal_Al

Employee

Q. How about the wages I earn in Washington? Are those subject to California income tax?

A. Yes. While you are a CA resident, all your income, regardless of where earned, is subject to CA income tax.

The general rule is: your report all your income on your home state return, even the income earned out of state. You file a non-resident state return for the state you worked in and pay tax to that state. Your home state will give you a credit, or partial credit, for what you paid the non-resident state.

When you worked in a state without an income tax (e.g. Washington), there will be no credit, since there was no WA tax. In other words, having worked in a state without an income tax does not get you out of paying state tax on that income, to your home state.