Under IL law, if you have moved to IL, you have 90 days to obtain an IL drivers license
https://www.ilsos.gov/services/newresidentshowdoi.html
1. If you do not live or work in CA, you should not use a CA address on your tax returns, nor do you need to pay state tax to CA. Mom can "help" you with your tax returns but use your correct mailing address on your returns.
2. As of July 2025 you have moved to IL and say you expect to live in the state for at least two years -maybe longer. You need to comply with IL law and get an IL drivers license.
3. When you prepare your 2025 return, it seems you lived in NY for part of the year and will live in IL for the remaining part of 2025, so you will need to prepare and file part-year returns for each of the states you lived and worked in.
MOVED OR NEED TO FILE PART-YEAR STATE
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901560-how-do-i-file-if-i-moved-to-a-different-state-last-year
https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/printers-printing/file-part-year-state-r...
4. The fact that you rent and are not buying a home is irrelevant. You live and work in IL.
5. If and when you move out of IL, your situation will change so---cross that bridge when you come to it.
6. You are living and working in IL, even though your employer is in another state. You are subject to IL state income tax while you live and work in IL.
When you prepare your federal tax return you will use your IL address on your Form 1040, so the IRS will know where to mail you a letter or a check.
If you own a vehicle, you will need to register it in IL. And, of course, you will want to register to vote, etc. in IL.
**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
