Why is my income greater in my state tax form than federal

[SweetieJean · Accepted solution]

State tax laws are different from Federal.

For example, look at your W-2. Is Box 16 (state wages) more than Box 1?  Some states do not allow you to exclude from wages amounts you contribute to deferred compensation or retirement plans.

State deductions and credits also differ from Federal. Which state are you in?

[denisef460]

My total income should be the same. 19,500 I receive in SSI and 5,600 my husband receives in self employment. And my state of RI says I'm not eligible for homeowners tax relief because it says my income exceeds 44,000...???

[SweetieJean]

The calculation for this includes certain types of nontaxable income. See this:
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.tax.ri.gov/forms/2016/DRAFTS/Income/2016%201040H_b.pdf">http://www.tax.ri.gov/forms/2016/...>