Working remote in Washington - need to pay California tax?

[crimson91]

Hi. If someone lives at Washington (no state tax) and works at home remotely for a California-based startup, does he/she need to pay the California tax? He/she work 100% remotely at Washington (no short-term assignment at California). Thanks!

[TomD8 · Accepted solution]

A non-resident of California who works remotely entirely outside California as a W-2 employee of a CA-based employer does NOT have to pay CA income tax.

A non-resident of California who works outside California as a self-employed sole proprietor and who provides services to a CA-based client DOES have to pay CA income tax on those earnings.  A sole proprietor's compensation is reported on a 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC instead of a W-2.

Earnings from any work carried out inside CA is taxable by CA.

[crimson91]

Noted! Thanks! 🙂