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posted Jun 4, 2019 8:16:13 PM

Do i need to file tax return in California if i worked only 2 days there? my employer withheld 2 days tax

My employer withheld 2 days of tax for CA and I live in IL. Do I need to file in CA?

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Expert Alumni
Jun 4, 2019 8:16:15 PM

It depends.  Please notice the following link:  https://www.ftb.ca.gov/individuals/FileRtn/index.shtml.  According to that CA website, you will be required to file a CA nonresident return if you have:

  • California source income.
  • Income from all sources that is more than the amount defined in this chart. (Bolding for emphasis.  Links are active and provide more information.  Whether or not you must file depends on filing status, overall income, and number of dependents).

If you are not required to file a CA return, you may still choose to file because this way you are refunded for the withheld tax.

If you have a filing requirement in CA, you do well to file.  This avoids penalty and interest for not doing so.  Also, since Illinois taxes all of your income regardless of where you earned it, filing a CA return will allow you to claim a credit on the Illinois return for the taxes you pay to California for the income earned there.  You will prepare the California return first so that the credit is transferred over to the Illinois return.