Residency Status to File Taxes

[Inna3]

Hi,
I moved in with family in Maryland during 2018, to help with their bills. I was a resident of Virginia before then. Do I file as a resident or nonresident for Maryland and Virginia? My name is not on the residential lease or any bills. I'm just helping financially. I'm not recognized as a resident of Maryland and I work in D.C. I would just like to know how best to fill out that resident portion. I am filing single.

[Carl]

Just because you moved in with family does not make you a resident of any state. Each state has it's own residency requirements. One of those requirements for just about all states, is that you must be able to show your "intent" to make that state your permanent resident. Another requirement for most states (not all) is that you have lived in that state for anywhere from 6 months to a year. Again, it depends on the laws/rules of the specific state.

You at best, will be filing "at least" a part year resident return for VA. 

But if you have no "intent" to make MD your state of residence, and you don't meet the requirements that would allow MD to consider  you a resident weather you like it or not, you'll be filing a non-resident return for MD and a full year resident return for VA.