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posted Apr 6, 2025 2:04:53 PM

As a college student from OH, but attending college in VA, what do I claim as my state of residence for income earned at the college? OH, VA, both?

I'm a full time college student trying to file my state tax returns and TurboTax asks me "What was your state of residence in 2024?". My choices for answers are 1) Just Virginia. 2) I had more than one state of residence. 3) I made money in Virginia last year, but I never lived there. None of these really seem to apply.

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3 Replies
Expert Alumni
Apr 6, 2025 2:12:21 PM

You would actually choose I had more than one state of residence if you maintain a place of abode in Virginia for more than 183 days during the year.

 

See Ohio Residency | Department of Taxation and Residency Status | Virginia Tax

Level 15
Apr 6, 2025 2:13:25 PM

Q.  As a college student from OH, but attending college in VA, what do I claim as my state of residence for income earned at the college?

A. Both

 

While "away at college", you are still considered a full year resident of your home state.  Normally (almost all other states), you would file a non resident VA return and an Ohio resident return.  But not VA.  See MaryK4 replies for details. 

 

OH will give you a credit, or partial credit, for the tax you pay to VA. 

 

EDITED 4/7/25 10:08 PST

Expert Alumni
Apr 7, 2025 9:45:23 AM

Just an update to add to HalAl's answer.  Virginia has a "statutory" tax resident based on the number of days you are in the state so you would have to file the Virginia tax return as a resident.  In most cases this does not apply to students but in Virginia it does.  

 

You will want to file the Virginia tax return first, then you will be able to claim the credit for the taxes paid to another state on your Ohio tax return so you will not get double taxed at the state level.  

 

Students are subject to the same rules for residency and filing requirements as all other filers. For example, if you lived in Virginia for more than 183 days during the taxable year, you are classified as an actual resident, and must file Form 760 even if you maintained your legal residency in another state. If you maintained legal residency in Virginia, but attended school in another state, you are still considered a Virginia resident and must file Form 760. If you had income in the other state, you may be required to file in that state also.

Residency Status | Virginia Tax

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