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!
Yes, if you were a California state resident you would file the CA 540 even if you are filing the 1040NR for federal taxes.
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).
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.
@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.
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/01/26295