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New Member
posted Jun 1, 2019 1:47:04 PM

Can I have two state returns NJ and PA?

I Live in NJ.  I worked in PA for two different employers, one withheld PA taxes and the other NJ taxes.

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3 Replies
Expert Alumni
Jun 1, 2019 1:47:05 PM

It depends.  If the PA taxes withheld were state taxes (found in Box 17 of the PA state line), then yes, you will file two state returns.  Since NJ and PA have a reciprocal agreement, you will file a PA return with $0 income to receive a full refund of PA state taxes withheld, and NJ then taxes all of the income to the state.

However, if the PA taxes are only local taxes, you will only file a NJ resident return.  Again, because of the reciprocal agreement, you will only pay state taxes in New Jersey.  But you can get a credit for PA local taxes paid on your NJ state return.  

Please comment what you see on your W2, and I'll be happy to give additional instruction.

New Member
Mar 22, 2020 5:32:45 AM

I am in the same situation. I downloaded the PA return which I may not need. once that was installed, the credit for Phila taxes disappeared from my return, greatly reducing my NJ refund? How do I fix this?

Expert Alumni
Mar 22, 2020 1:30:31 PM

Once the Pennsylvania return is filed with zero income, you will get back the state taxes withheld. 

Then, the New Jersey credit for paying tax to Philadelphia should be restored.