Which states must i file in? my w-2 has 3 different states that withheld state income taxes, do i need to file in all 3 states worked1 day in NC and 5 days in Ny/NYC

[joshuaandrejczyk]

I had minimal state income tax withheld in NC ($25) and NY (around $300) since i worked in these states for 1 day and around 1 week in NY.  Do i need to file tax returns in these states or is there a minimum number of hours/days required. 

[biglebowski1128]

It may not be worthwhile to file with NC, but I suggest filing with NY, especially since they may start sending you letters about it down the road.  You would file a non-resident return with NY, paying pro-rated taxes based on the ratio of your NY income to total income; prepare this before you finish your home state return. You may get a full or partial credit on your home state return for what you paid New York.

Now imagine what a professional athlete's return looks like, with withholding in most states in which their team played during the season.  A game or series in NY, more in CA, some IL, MN, DC, PA, OH, CO, GA, MO, MI, on and on.