Income Tax question

[CrimsonMaiden]

I'm hoping someone here has experience with this. The state we live in does not have a state income tax. However, the state hubby works in does (and they take taxes out of his check.) I'm assuming that means we'll have to file state income tax forms for the state in which he works? Do you get returns on that like you do federal income tax?

And please don't say "hire an accountant to do your taxes". We can't. We need every penny of our return to buy a vehicle.

 

[voluptuary_manque]

I'm hoping someone here has experience with this. The state we live in does not have a state income tax. However, the state hubby works in does (and they take taxes out of his check.) I'm assuming that means we'll have to file state income tax forms for the state in which he works? Do you get returns on that like you do federal income tax?

And please don't say "hire an accountant to do your taxes". We can't. We need every penny of our return to buy a vehicle.

My first suggestion is a call to whatever your state's equivilent of the State Franchise Tax Board is. They're supposed to know about such things.

 

[fifty5]

I'm hoping someone here has experience with this. The state we live in does not have a state income tax. However, the state hubby works in does (and they take taxes out of his check.) I'm assuming that means we'll have to file state income tax forms for the state in which he works? Do you get returns on that like you do federal income tax?

And please don't say "hire an accountant to do your taxes". We can't. We need every penny of our return to buy a vehicle.

Echoing what VM said, ring the tax office. They ought to know - and tell you - what you need to know.

There are dick-heads everywhere, but the tax officers I've come across have all been genuinely willing to help - for free!

 

[Guest]

I'm hoping someone here has experience with this. The state we live in does not have a state income tax. However, the state hubby works in does (and they take taxes out of his check.) I'm assuming that means we'll have to file state income tax forms for the state in which he works? Do you get returns on that like you do federal income tax?

And please don't say "hire an accountant to do your taxes". We can't. We need every penny of our return to buy a vehicle.

On-line.

There are state filing returns on-line.

But yes, if you live and work in two different states you'll have to file returns in two different states.

 

[slyc_willie]

If you're in the market for a vehicle, there are usually auto dealers who will do your tax filing for you at no cost, and apply the refund toward the down payment on a car. I'm sure they would be willing to work with duo-state income as well.

 

[Weird Harold]

And please don't say "hire an accountant to do your taxes". We can't. We need every penny of our return to buy a vehicle.

If you make enough money for your tax return to buy a car -- or even make a decent down payment on a car -- professional tax preparers will probably be able to increase your returns far more than it will cost to hire them.

Failing that wise move, get Turbo-Tax or another reputable tax preparation software with the appropriate state tax software.

The information you need is also probably on the FAQ page of the revenue service site of the State where your husband works -- under the heading "who has to file..."

 

[jomar]

If you make enough money for your tax return to buy a car -- or even make a decent down payment on a car -- professional tax preparers will probably be able to increase your returns far more than it will cost to hire them.

Failing that wise move, get Turbo-Tax or another reputable tax preparation software with the appropriate state tax software.

The information you need is also probably on the FAQ page of the revenue service site of the State where your husband works -- under the heading "who has to file..."

A good accountant will save you money. A great accountant will make you money!

Turbo Tax might be a good choice for you and walks you through areas to increase your return. You can deduct the cost of Turbo Tax (or an accountant) on your taxes. It's easier than filling it out on the paper form, but does cost $30-50.

Check the federal tax return site. Online filing is free for some people.

 

[OhMissScarlett]

I'm not sure if you'll get anything back. It's going to depend on what they took out for that state and what your hubby claims. When I lived in Illinois and worked in Missouri, it always seemed to happen that I broke even or got a little back in Illinois, but ended up paying in to Missouri what I got back from Illinois. I'd take them to H&R block or some independant accountant, they'll have the software for what you need to file and that alone will probably save you some money and hair-pulling.

 

[JagFarlane]

A good accountant will save you money. A great accountant will make you money!

Turbo Tax might be a good choice for you and walks you through areas to increase your return. You can deduct the cost of Turbo Tax (or an accountant) on your taxes. It's easier than filling it out on the paper form, but does cost $30-50.

Check the federal tax return site. Online filing is free for some people.

You can even check TurboTax.com and they will tell you if you can file for free

 

[cloudy]

I use TaxACT Online every year. They have a free version that includes all the states, and they efile for you. Worth a try.

 

[CrimsonMaiden]

I usually use H&R Block's TaxCut to file online. It's always been free for federal, but I'm not sure about state. We are already going to have to pay our property taxes out of our refund so I'm not wanting to take anything else out since we want to buy a car. And when I say buy a car, I mean a used car... like 2002 or 2003. Something that runs reliably and fits all of us but we have the money to buy outright. I'll deal with getting something "nice" when we are better on our feet. Right now, I just need a car, so I'll take what I can get. I'm tired of bumming rides (and won't even be able to do that after we move.)

If TaxCut doesn't offer free state e-file, then I'll check out TaxAct. Thanks, cloudy! (and thanks to everyone else who has replied )

 

[DesertPirate]

I have used Turbo Tax since 93 and have had to file in 2 states a few times (4 or 5) I have had to:
pay 1 get refund from the other
Get refunds from both
pay both
pay nothing

The state of residence has priority.

 

[Guest]

I'm hoping someone here has experience with this. The state we live in does not have a state income tax. However, the state hubby works in does (and they take taxes out of his check.) I'm assuming that means we'll have to file state income tax forms for the state in which he works? Do you get returns on that like you do federal income tax?

And please don't say "hire an accountant to do your taxes". We can't. We need every penny of our return to buy a vehicle.

The answer from my accountant is the following:
Yes you have to file state income tax for the state that your husband works. Yes you get a return on it just like you do federal taxes. You will need the tax forms from that state for that state income tax... meaning if he works in say PA then he needs the PA state income tax form.

If you have any more questions send them over to me through PM...

 

[Carnevil9]

If hubby works for a medium to large company, he should check with the HR department. They'll probably know the exact laws that apply......Carney (who hates taxes with a passion)