Hello, I was a resident of NYC in 2020 but worked in CA for less than 2 months earning less than $1000. Turbo tax prompts me to fill out a return for CA. Is that correct?

[MayaD]

Yes, as a nonresident, you pay tax on your taxable income from California sources.

Sourced income includes, but is not limited to:

• Services performed in California
• Rent from real property located in California
• The sale or transfer of real California property
• Income from a California business, trade or profession

You will be able to claim a credit on your NY resident return for taxes paid to another state.

[TomD8]

CA has income thresholds below which you do not have to file.  See "Filing Requirements" in this web reference:

https://www.ftb.ca.gov/file/personal/residency-status/part-year-and-nonresident.html

Note that the thresholds are based on your total gross income, not just on your income from CA.

[louisewerbe]

Right makes sense, but do I need to file a CA state return?

[JotikaT2]

Yes, assuming your total gross income exceeds the threshold amounts listed above, you will still need to file a nonresident income tax return for the $1,000 earned from California sources.

See the example as provided by California below for more details on how your California sourced income will be taxed.