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Level 1
March 18, 2026
Question

Can I use California address where I’m currently working as a military or Texas my state

  • March 18, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 97 views
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1 reply

Level 15
March 18, 2026

Since you are active duty military, the rules are very specific to protect you from being taxed by a state just because you are stationed there.

 

Use your California address (your mailing address) in the "Personal Info" or "My Info" section of the program.  The IRS and states use this address to mail you checks, letters, or notifications.

 

Use your Texas address when the program asks for your State of Residence (SLR).

 

Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), your military pay is only taxable by your "State of Legal Residence" (SLR), not the state where you are stationed (Texas has no state income tax... California does have a state income tax).

 

Note: when the program asks, "Did you live in another state?" or "Did you earn money in another state?" answer "No" regarding California if your only income was your military pay.


Also note: the program may automatically add a California state return (after you enter a California mailing address). 

 

Check Box 15 on your W-2:  If it says "CA" and has tax withheld, you must file a California "Nonresident" return to get that money   Update your LES: If California taxes are being taken out, you need to file DD Form 2058 with your finance office to officially list Texas as your SLR (this stops future withholding by CA).

 

Make sure that are marked as a Nonresident (if you must file a A return).  California considers military members stationed there on PCS orders to be nonresidents for tax purposes.

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