If you became a resident of WA state, were a resident for the entire year, earned all your wage income in WA and your employer withheld MI state income for all or part of the year, you sh
ould be able to get a refund of all MI taxes withheld.
You will have to file a 2016 MI non-resident tax return and answer all the Personal Interview questions as being a resident of WA.
If you did not become a resident of WA in 2016 (or 2015), you will owe MI tax on your WA earnings and file a MI resident tax return.
What makes you a resident of
a state (or country)?
Generally, you're
a resident of a state (or country) if you intend to either stay there
permanently, or return there after a temporary absence. It's where
home is – where you come back to after being away on vacation, business trip,
overseas or out-of-state employment, or school. Many factors are
considered, not the least of which are where you are registered to vote, own
homestead property and are licensed to drive.
Residency rules vary from state to state. For example, if you
spend more than a certain number of days in some states, you're considered a
resident whether it makes sense to you or not. If you have any concerns, check
with your State Department of
Revenue for
specific residency rules, especially as they apply to your particular
situation.
