State return

[paddams]

Am I legally obligated to file a state return if I have a W2 that says I was paid wages and had taxes withheld for that state? I ask because TT charges $45 for each state return beyond the one that comes with the Home & Business download. So, if I'm getting less than $45 from these non resident states, it doesn't make economic sense to even file a return. Of course, one is never sure how much one will get until one does the return. One state is refunding $15 and another $30.

[LinaJ2020]

Yes, if you meet the requirement, you are legally obligated to file, unfortunately. 

If you meet the filing requirements for your state, you still need to file even though it shows zero refund or tax due. You need to file to show the result.  

To check your state filing requirements, click here: Your state

[paddams]

I should've put more emphasis on NON RESIDENT state returns. I would expect to legally be required to file in my home state. It's these NR states where I do one show in a year, taxes taken out - and if I only get a refund of $15, hardly worth it to spend $45 with TT. That's why I wondered if I had a legal obligation to file in all these NR states.

[xmasbaby0]

You do not HAVE to use TurboTax to prepare those state returns.  Many states have tax websites you can use to prepare state returns--or will let you download the forms to prepare by hand.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/state-taxes/help/how-do-i-contact-my-state-department-of-revenue/0...

[paddams]

I know I could get other states via their website and avoid the dramatic TT charge - I had to buy four states. However, as all info entered into Fed return, it is much easier to use TT for the states. Just wish it didn't cost so much. $65 for Home & Business Fed and one state return - good value -  but the additional states at $45 each seems like a rip off, very disproportionate. Thanks.

[SteamTrain]

Still, you should dig thru and check each of those state's websites.  Might take a couple hours to find the correct details

1)  A few states allow you to NOT file at all in that state, if your income in just that non-resident state was less than some $$ amount.  i.e. they don't want to bother processing tax files if your non-resident income was below some level.

2) BUT, most states I've seen, use the full Federal Gross as the determining factor, even if they only end up taxing a small portion.