I received 2qty W-2's from the same employer, different states, but remote work.

[Kjohns77]

Good morning!  I have received 2 W2 forms from the same employer, has different income amounts and lists 2 different states, but I work remote and have never physically worked in one of the states.  Do I still need to file both in each of their states?  For example all but 1 paycheck was paid to Alabama, one paycheck was paid to Georgia, but I have never been to Georgia.  Thank you!

[KrisD15 · Accepted solution]

No, if you are a remote worker, you would only file for the state in which you live, unless they withheld state tax (in your case Georgia) and you wish to have that tax refunded. In that case you would file a non-resident state return for that state. 

If you have entered both W-2 forms and TurboTax did not give you an error (since they are from the same employer) continue. If TurboTax gives an error for the same employer, you may need to add the amounts together and enter as if they both were reported as one W-2. 

[Kjohns77]

They did withhold a small amount for Georgia.  Is it optional for me to file the non-resident return?  I'd prefer not to claim and not pay to file another states tax if it's possible?  Thank you so much for your help!

[KrisD15]

Yes, it is optional. 

You are not obligated to file for a refund of tax withheld, however you will need to claim all your income on your home state return (Alabama) so you might end up paying tax twice on that small amount of income (the tax withheld for Georgia and the tax you'll pay to Alabama).