How do I report residency if I moved from Washington state to Texas for 8 months, lived with extended family, then moved back home?

[Keegen]

I'm a Washington State resident. Moved in March to Texas and lived with extended family while looking for work.  While I did work there, couldn't find what I was looking for so moved back to Washington in November.  Neither state has a state income tax.

If I check yes for "lived out of state", what do I put for "Previous state of residence" and "Date you became a resident of your new state"

[ToddL · Accepted solution]

First, don't check "Yes" for "Lived in another state?". You didn't change your state of residence by staying with extended family in TX (no matter how long) and then "moving back home" to Washington State. Your state of residence was WA for all of 2016.

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.