Determining Date of Residency for College Student

[plithera102]

I am a California Resident who attended college out of state last year. I hold a job in this state and lived in a college residence for more than half of the year. How do I fill in the portion asking me about my date of residency when it does not allow me to say I have been a resident of CA all along?

[MarkB]

As far as residency, The whole year (12 months), Per IRS:  to go to school (college) from your  residence ( your home ) is not considered as absence. 

As far as income: Your son is considered an California resident even though he goes to school out of state. When filling out the personal information section, your son will indicate that he made money in another state.

Enter the W-2 forms for the jobs as they were issued in the Wages and Income section.

If the state that you worked has a  personal income tax, most college students do need to complete a state tax return for that state he goes to school in. His earnings in school state should not affect his California state tax return.