Question about OPT and 1099-MISC

[fanucchig]

Hi, I am an international student and I have been on OPT since July 2018. I live in California and I work as an independent contractor. I received a Form 1099-MISC from my employer, which is the only form that I received for my OPT. I already filed my federal tax form with the 1099-MISC, and I wonder if I need to file any California state tax forms? If so, which form should I file? Thank you! 

[LinaJ2018 · Accepted solution]

If you live in the state of California, you are considered as CA resident regardless of your visa status.  The state of CA sees you as their full-year resident and required to file if meet it's residency filing requirements. You will need to file a Form 540 2EZ or regular 540 if your income meets the requirements.  See CA filing requirements

[fanucchig]

Thanks for your reply. I checked the link and I saw that they have Form 540 2EZ and Short Form 540NR. I moved to CA in May and I lived in CA from May to December last year, so I am not sure if I should consider myself as a part-year resident and file Short Form 540NR. Could you please clarify which form I need to fill out? Thank you so much!