What State to File Taxes in?

[Bearvet]

DS21 goes to college in a different state - we live in MA, he goes to school in OH. Last summer he stayed in OH and worked, so his only income for the year was in OH. He'll file Federal taxes, but what state tax does he file - MA or OH? He's still a resident of MA.

 

[golfgal]

Most likely both unless OH and MA have a reciprocity agreement (which I doubt since they do not share a border). What state is your SON's legal residence and do you claim him on your taxes?

 

[taylor3297]

Most likely both unless OH and MA have a reciprocity agreement (which I doubt since they do not share a border). What state is your SON's legal residence and do you claim him on your taxes?

Very important points.

 

[Bearvet]

His legal residence is MA (I wish it was OH so we could pay in-state tuition!!) and we do claim him on our taxes.

 

[golfgal]

His legal residence is MA (I wish it was OH so we could pay in-state tuition!!) and we do claim him on our taxes.

Then he will have to file both OH and MA.

 

[Kallista]

State tax codes are individual by state. You need to check with both states to see if he is required to file there. Both of them should have a website with a FAQ or a hotline # that you can call. This question comes up a lot.

That said, the answer is probably that he has to file in both places. I live in one state and work in another. I have to file state income taxes for both. Usually, I get money back from the state that I work in and I have to pay some money to the state that I live in. It's usually pretty even, though.