Quick tax question on income in 2 states (payments, taxes, credit)

[Mr_Geek]

When filing taxes for a state I lived in for 4 months I come to the credits section and it says this:

"Tell us about any state where you paid income tax. Complete your nonresident or part-year resident state before you complete your resident state. This will ensure an accurate return."

Then it asks for the state and the income tax paid.

Do I put down the tax I paid on my W2 for the state or the tax I actually owe to the state in 2014?

Let's say my w2 shows I paid in $2000 but I only owe the state $1500 so I'd get $500 back. Do i put tax paid as $2000 or $1500?

[Petunia 100]

My guess is they want to know your tax liability, not your tax withholding. So in your example, you would put $1500.

The best way to know for sure is to call the state's income tax department and ask.

[DPolo]

It asking you how much you have paid to the state in income taxes. If you did not make any estimated payments, then taxes you paid are listed on your w2. If you paid 2k, then that's what you list.

[Mr_Geek]

Originally Posted by Petunia 100

My guess is they want to know your tax liability, not your tax withholding. So in your example, you would put $1500.

The best way to know for sure is to call the state's income tax department and ask.

Thanks, this was the correct answer. I spoke to someone.