Tax Guys-Muliti-State Filings

[Hugh R]

I'll see my CPA in a few weeks, but I'm putting together my 2012 tax filing paperwork (actually Mrs. Hugh R is doing the work). I want to see if your opinion will be different from that of my CPA, whom I haven't met with yet.

In 2012, I worked 37 days in four states (CO-15, NM-14, UT-5 & AZ-3) , I also worked in Canada about 9 days, but I'm not apparently required to file there. The rest was in California. According to my employer, I have to file returns in any state that I worked 15 days or more (CO). I don't expect in any of those states I'll actually owe any taxes because the amount of money in each was pretty low.

Here is my question, can I file in each of those states with an EZ, type form and not have to pay CA taxes on those income streams even if I worked less than 15 days in three of those states). CA income taxes are higher than any of those other states. I don't have any write offs in any of those states since my employer reimbursed me for travel expenses. I guess the cost savings might out weight the cost of the filing of the tax forms in the states where I worked less than 15 days.

[jwasbury]

I'm not sure how CA works, but in many cases you report 100% of your income in your state of residence, but then receive a credit for taxes paid in other states. If you end up not having any taxes due in these other states it may not reduce your CA tax at all.

[Hugh R]

Well that sucks, thanks.

[peppy]

I live in NC but my tax return is filed in VA where I work. My income is not included on our NC tax return.

[emcon5]

Wondering about this myself. I lived in California most of last year, but in November I moved to Nevada, which has no state income tax.

How does that work, do they prorate it?