Claiming a Refund from CA FTB

[lcgundo]

I moved from CA to AZ at the end of 2018 and was an AZ resident for all of 2019. However, since I neglected to file a change of address with the custodian of my 401k they send withholding tax to CA when they processed my RMD in November. How can I get that money back? The most straightforward answer would seem to be to file a 540NR form showing no CA income but claiming a refund of the amt withheld. Will that work, or is there a better way to to it?

[TomD8]

<<The most straightforward answer would seem to be to file a 540NR form showing no CA income but claiming a refund of the amt withheld.>>

That is exactly what you have to do.  Unfortunately there's no alternative method.  I suggest you file the CA return on paper, and attach a letter of explanation.   

[SusanY1]

Yes, filing a California nonresident return (form 540-NR) indicating that you did not have income in California will be the easiest and most straight-forward way to get a refund of the taxes withheld.  

You may get a request later in the year from the California Franchise Tax Board asking you to explain why the income wasn't taxable in California. If you receive this request, it is a normal automated response and not an indication that you filed incorrectly.