College Student Tax return, which State to File??

[Dannyapp]

Dear Community Members,

I need your advice regarding my daughter's state tax filing.

We are originally from New York, and my daughter attends college in Boston. This past summer, she had an internship in New York and also worked on campus in Massachusetts as part of a work-study program. As a result, she received W-2s from both states.

Which state does she need to file taxes in? Can she file as a non-resident in Massachusetts and a full-time resident in New York? I would appreciate any guidance on how to proceed.

Thank you!

[MaryK4 · Accepted solution]

Yes, your daughter would file a nonresident Massachusetts return and a resident New York return.  She would only be required to file for Massachusetts if her Massachusetts gross income is $8,000 or more, or if she had state withholding she wishes to claim.  On her New York state return, she will report all income; but if she pays tax in Massachusetts, she will get a credit for the taxes paid to Massachusetts so she is not double taxed on the same income.  

[Dannyapp]

Thank you for the Quick answer!!

Her NY and MA incomes are 9K in total.
MA income is about 3K . MA W2 shows that the State income tax is 199.00.. Federal tax is 19.00.   Does he still need to file in MA, you think?

[Dannyapp]

And I am Stuck here.
Can anyone help me with filling the 3rd and 4th images??

[MaryK4 · Accepted solution]

I would file Massachusetts to get the $199 refunded.  She will still need to report and pay tax on it to New York.  For New York,  she is require to file because she did not have to file a federal return but the federal adjusted gross income plus New York additions was more than $3,100.  She can file the federal for the refund because you have to prepare it for the New York return anyway and she should qualify for a no fee return.  

In your screenshots, she should not have Massachusetts taxable income so the credit for taxes paid should not apply.  

@Dannyapp 

[Dannyapp]

Thank you!!

Now everything is clear.

Again thank you for your kind explanation!