I moved to CA this year (from Jan 1st) and I need to pay estimated taxes. Do I need to purchase CA as a state (my current state is IL) to calculate estimated taxes?

[DoninGA]

You need to pay California state estimated taxes for tax year 2019?

[gilbertjack]

yes.

[gilbertjack]

Thanks

[gilbertjack]

One quick question - on that form it says "You do not have to make estimated tax payments if you are a
new resident of California in 2019 and did not have a California tax liability in 2018" Which would be the case with me. Does that mean I don't have to, but if you want to you can, or does that mean CA won't tax me on my earned 1099-MISC consulting income (which will exceed the thresholds)?

[DoninGA]

It reads to me that estimated tax payments in 2019 are not required.  But can be paid when the taxes are due on or before April 15, 2020.  But to avoid a big tax bill in 2020 I would pay the estimated taxes quarterly anyway based on the consulting income by quarter.  And Yes you will be taxed by CA on the net profit from the consulting.

[gilbertjack]

got it thanks - that what I assumed, it is nice to have you confirm it though. I appreciate it 🙂

[DoninGA · Accepted solution]

See this CA website for estimated taxes - https://www.ftb.ca.gov/individuals/faq/ivr/208.shtml
And this CA website for Form 540-ES Instructions - https://www.ftb.ca.gov/forms/2019/19_540ESins.pdf

Since you had no California income in 2018 there is no need to use the TurboTax state program for California since there would be no basis for the 2019 estimated taxes.