Can a college student file a PA state tax return to ask for a refund of PA state tax withheld?

[spring]

My son is a full-time college student who is studying at Philadelphia, PA. During summer 2018 he worked at Philadelphia but lived at home (Cherry Hill, NJ). The total income is less than $5000. His W-2 has Federal tax withheld, PA state tax withheld, and Philadelphia local income tax withheld. I claimed him as a dependent and claimed the tuition credit. Like to check 1) should he file a NJ state tax return? 2) Can he file a PA state tax return to ask for the refund of PA state tax withheld? 

[Vanessa · Accepted solution]

Yes, whether your son is a college student or not, he can file a PA return to request a refund of his PA taxes withheld as NJ and PA have reciprocal agreements.  This means if you live in one of the states and work in the other, you only pay taxes to the one you live in.

If he is still working for the same employer, he should request that they stop withholding PA state taxes and only withhold NJ taxes as long as he remains a NJ resident. 

[spring]

Thanks. How about NJ state tax. Should he file a NJ state tax?

[re2boys]

See <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/njit23.shtml">https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/nj... NJ filing requirements.