As an expat living in a foreign country, can I start filing Colorado state tax returns this year if I did not file state returns in previous years?

[jivn]

I moved to a foreign country in 2013. Prior to moving, I was working in IL, but I lived in CO up til the end of high school and my parents still live in CO. Since 2013, I would return to CO every time I come back to the U.S. to visit family. In previous years (from 2013 to 2017), I only filed federal tax returns because I had no income and did not live in either CO or IL anymore (from my research they are considered "neutral states" for U.S. expats). I do not own property in either state. I do still have mail addressed to me sent to my parents' address in CO. Now, I'm just made aware of the potential need to maintain domicile in a U.S. state, since I do plan to move back in the future. So my question is, do I file a CO state tax return for 2018? Would I be a full-year resident for tax purpose in CO? Should I file CO state tax returns for previous years as well? Or should I NOT file any state tax returns until I actually move back and establish residence again in the U.S.?

[IreneS · Accepted solution]

You do not need to file any state tax returns until you actually move back and establish residence again in the U.S.  Meanwhile you can consider your parents' home as your U.S. domicile.