If I have to file 2 state returns (OR resident and OK non-resident) and I receive a dividend check from an OK company, does that go on my OR return or OK return?

[eviltrouts]

I live and work in Oregon but I also am filing a non-resident return for Oklahoma, because I also get a paycheck from a company based in Oklahoma. If I also receive a dividend check from that Oklahoma company, do I apply it to my home state as income or do I include that income as part of my Oklahoma return? In addition, I am on the board of that Oklahoma company, so does my director's fee count as Oklahoma income or my home state Oregon income?

[ToddL · Accepted solution]

Here are answers to your three questions:

Just because your employer is based in another state does not mean you have to pay tax or file a return with that other state. You only pay tax to the state where you physically worked (and your home state, if it is different). If your employer withheld OK tax on your wages, you would need to file a non-resident OK return to get a refund.

Investment income (incl. dividends and interest) is only reported to and taxed by your home state. 

Your OK director's fee counts as Oklahoma income only if you performed the director's duties in OK. It is also taxable on your OR return, since that is your home state. OR will give you credit (against OR tax) for any tax you pay to OK on those director's fees. 

Do you need to file an OK return for the OK directors fees? That depends on how much they were. Each state has filing thresholds based on a number of factors. Nonresidents of OK are required to file an Oklahoma income tax return when they receive gross income of at least $1,000 of Oklahoma source income. See 2016 Oklahoma Individual Income Tax Forms and Instructions for Nonresidents