How can I get my withholding tax I paid to Massachusetts back since I earned under 8000? It just says File a return, yet the return automatically calculates the 5% why?

[daleward2]

Do I have to file a paper return and put a zero for the 5% calculation? How then is the 300 in withholding paid back to me that my employer paid? Mass has a zero tax for income under 8000 but why can't we file as such?

[DavidD66]

If your only income was $8,000 earned in Massachusetts (MA), then you would not owe any MA income tax.  If you worked in Massachusetts (MA) as a non-resident, you will owe MA tax if your Massachusetts source income was more than your personal exemption amount multiplied by the ratio of your Massachusetts income to your total income.  So, if you had other taxable income, most likely you owe MA income tax.