Can I file CA Form 540 alongside Federal Form 1040NR if I lived in California?

[jakarta111]

I'm a F1 student. I file 1040NR because it's my first year in the US. However, I have stayed in the CA the entire 2019. Should I file 540 or 540NR? My friend told me that CA consider resident or nonresident is different with federal. So since I stay in CA the entire 2019, I should file 540, instead of 540NR even I file 1040NR. Does anyone can help me regarding this matter? Thanks in advance!

[MaryK4 · Accepted solution]

Yes, if you were a California state resident you would file the CA 540 even if you are filing the 1040NR for federal taxes.

[jakarta111]

thanks a lot!

[DavidS127]

No, you do not file CA Form 540 with your Federal form 1040NR.  As a nonresident alien, you use CA Form 540NR. See question 19 on the California FTB website at this link (or search within that web page for nonresident alien).

[pittz]

You still have not answered my question. Where are the 540 forms. I've 'updated' my TurboTax software a dozen times and still no 540s.

[DoninGA]

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@pittz wrote:

You still have not answered my question. Where are the 540 forms. I've 'updated' my TurboTax software a dozen times and still no 540s.

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TurboTax does not support a Form 1040NR so you should not be using TurboTax for your federal or state tax returns.

See this TurboTax support FAQ for a Form 1040NR - https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/forms/help/does-turbotax-handle-form-1040nr-for-nonresident-aliens...