I worked and live in North Dakota but my residency was still for CA ( i did not know this). My W2 states CA. Does this mean I have to file for California?

You will need to file a North Dakota tax return as a resident (assuming you qualify as one - see below); and California tax return as a non-resident (assuming that you didn't live there all year in 2023).

 

North Dakota ND Tax - Resident

 

In most cases, if you live in state that has income tax, you will get a credit on your tax return for the state you live in for part or all of the tax that you pay to the other state. 
 

Once you've determined that you need to file a nonresident state return, the first thing you want to do is make sure you've filled out the Personal Info section correctly:

1. With your return open, select My Info  in the menu.
2. On the Personal info summary screen, scroll down to Other State Income, and select Edit.
3. At the Did you make money in any other states? question, answer Yes and make sure your nonresident state(s) are selected from the drop-down.
4. Select Continue to return to your Personal info summary.

After you finish your federal return, you'll automatically move to the State tab, where you'll see your nonresident state(s) listed in addition to your resident state.

 

Tip: To ensure accurate calculations, always complete the nonresident return first if filing in multiple states because your resident state might give you a credit for any taxes paid in that situation.

Now.....wait a minite....

Any special circumstances?

 

Like.....college undergraduate student at a ND college/university, under age 24?

...........or you are posted there in the military?