I live in NY and worked in NJ for a few months as an independent contractor, and received a 1099-Misc. Do I need to file a tax return for the state of NJ or just NY?

[Karen1209]

Yes, you file a non-resident return (NJ-1040NR).  

According to NJ's Department of Revenue, you must file a return if your gross income from all sources for the year is at least $10,000.  See link below:

http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/pdf/current/1040nri.pdf

Be sure to complete your NJ return before completing the NY return.