Why do I have a state balance

[LeeM · Accepted solution]

Most likely because the state income tax on your income was more than you had withheld from your pay or paid in during the year. 

I would first print your 2016 and 2017 state tax returns and compare them line by line. This will help you determine what has changed, if there are any discrepancies/items you missed or if you need to change any of the information you entered into TurboTax.

There are several factors that go in to determining the taxes you owe.

If your income increased, which might have put you in a higher tax bracket, it could have reduced or eliminated some deductions or credits and the tax laws changing year to year will determine the amount of taxes that need to be paid as well.

If your income decreased, that sometimes can reduce your refund due to you not having enough earned income to receive the deductions or credits you did before.