NC State Estimated Tax Payments

[JenD]

This is my first year filing a NC State return.  I am filing as a non-resident.  I live in VA and work in NC,  In performing my tax review the software flagged my estimated tax payments b/c I checked 1a and 3a on the estimated tax worksheet.  It is warning me of possible penalty for next year if my withholding is over $1,000,  My employer held $1,126.00 for 2019.  I started the job in July 2019.  How do I complete this form?

[SteamTrain]

No...it's only needed if you end up "owing" $1000 more/extra at tax time.  Meaning you under withheld NC taxes at the NC employer this year.

.....what you do is you go in to the employer, and have them withhold more NC taxes this year (just a bit more with each paycheck, so there is no huge bill at tax time), then re-adjust next year when you find out whether you owe NC more at tax time, or get a refund.  Then you can just ignore the estimated tax forms (NC doesn't know you prepared the NC40-ES forms unless you actually send in the forms..they don't go in with your normal tax filing)

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the withholding form at the employer is an NC-4. 

Fill it out exactly as last year...but put in one or two FEWER  NC allowances than you used for your 2019 pay,  (at the top-rt of the form  (or line 1 if it's a non-standard form))...or if that is already a zero, put in $50 on line 2 for additional state withholding (if paid twice a month ).

[JenD]

That makes sense.  I think seeing the penalty threat for next year threw me off track.  Thank you!!