<p>Probably a dumb question but up until now our college junior has been using our CA address as his permanent address. He votes absentee ballot in CA, has a CA driver license, etc. </p>
<p>Last year for the first time he worked in MA where he is in school. </p>
<p>It just occurred to me that in addition to his federal taxes he will have to file a return for MA. </p>
<p>We have always used the CA address because he moves dorms, etc and at his school that changes his whole address. </p>
<p>Will filling a return for MA for the state tax have any repercussions? Is he still considered a CA resident when I fill out the FAFSA?</p>
<p>Probable that your S will have tax liability for both CA and MA. We had the same problem when ours was in PA and residence in OR. The only way that he could soften the tax was to contribute to his 529 in both states. The 529’s would reduce his taxable wage and thus the tax. However, he would have had to contribute very nearly his total net summer wage to get the maximum affect. I did not encourage this approach since we were full pay and although the taxes were irritating, the taxes were affordable. </p>
<p>The payoff. 4 years later, is that he had worked for his advisor, who ultimately became a won a prestigious award and who is considering S to work for her startup company, which is westcoast and within driveable distance from home.</p>
<p>Fafsa considers considers federal filing state.</p>
<p>It’s been a long time since I was in this situation, but don’t many (resident) states give some kind of credit for state taxes paid to other states?</p>
<p>CA resident return and MA non resident return using the CA address keeps it all consistent.</p>
<p>That being said, any one have any answers on the college merit awards? If your kids gets money in excess of tuition in state A, but lives in state B, is that money ‘earned’ in state A or B for tax purposes?</p>
<p>We had the same situation when our kiddo went to college in MA. He filed his federal taxes using this address (CT) and then did a resident state tax form for CT and a non-resident for MA.</p>
<p>He’ll do the same this year, but it will be for NC.</p>
<p>We had a D in similar circumstances–California D, had a job at school in MA. She didn’t file MA non-resident taxes. I think that the income level under which you don’t have to file is $8,000. She never made close to that kind of money.</p>
<p>Ellemnope, I did go online and look at the MA form. I’m hoping he made under that amount but to tell you the truth I’m not sure. It was a full time 6 month internship.</p>
<p>One may not have to file tax forms, if one does not expect to receive a refund or Want the refund. </p>
<p>Life is complicated for young people who attend schools/jobs in different states. I no longer do DS taxes. 2008 he is looking at income and wages from India, Washington, Germany, Canada, and his resident state Oregon. Tax filings will make him either a good Republican or a Commie.</p>
<p>Your son can’t claim residency status elsewhere just by working there while a student. Also, since dorm residents could vote at their colleges and will not keep a permanent address at one this would not mean a change of residency. Keeping one’s childhood home address as the permanent one saves a lot of hassles with the frequent address changes students go through- keeping a correct address on a driver’s license is one.</p>
<p>Wis75, understood…in fact he doesn’t want to claim residency status I just wanted to make sure he wouldn’t inadvertently change his status if he has to file MA taxes.
LongPrinme I don’t envy yours and that tax nightmare.</p>
<p>So a quick update. Unfortunately he made more than 8K but the federal refund due to him is about 600 dollars so it is worth filing. I am turbo taxing it…</p>