Multi-State Tax Filing
Part-year, nonresident and multi-state business returns for people who moved, commute across state lines or work remotely.
How BATS handles multi-state tax filing
Moving, commuting across a state line or working remotely for an employer in another state can create filing obligations in more than one state. We sort out which states can tax which income, apply credits so the same dollar is not taxed twice, and file every return you need.
We work with clients in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., so state-specific rules are covered whether you are in one state or several.
Who this is for
- People who moved to a new state during the year
- Commuters who live in one state and work in another
- Remote employees whose employer is based elsewhere
- Businesses with employees, property or sales in several states
- Owners receiving K-1s with multi-state income
Everything covered in this service
Residency and domicile analysis
Part-year and nonresident returns
Credits for taxes paid to other states
Income allocation and apportionment
Composite and withholding returns for pass-through entities
Business nexus review for income and franchise taxes
The paperwork behind multi-state tax filing
| Part-year resident returns | For each state you lived in during the year, such as California Form 540NR or New York Form IT-203 |
|---|---|
| Nonresident returns | For states where you earned income but did not live |
| Credit for taxes paid to other states | Claimed on your resident return to avoid double taxation |
| Composite returns | Filed by partnerships and S corporations on behalf of nonresident owners |
| Nonresident withholding | State tax withheld on pass-through income paid to out-of-state owners |
| State withholding certificates | Updated with your employer when you move or change work location |
What we'll need from you
Have these ready and your first meeting goes much faster. Don't worry if something is missing; we'll help you find it.
- Dates you moved and both addresses
- W-2s showing wages for each state
- A calendar or log of days worked in each state
- K-1s with their state schedules
- Lease, purchase or sale documents for homes
- Driver's license, voter registration and vehicle registration change dates
How it works, step by step
Map your year
We build a timeline of where you lived and worked and where income was earned.
Allocate income
We assign each income item to the right states under their rules.
Apply credits
We claim credits so income is not taxed twice.
File every return
We file each state return and track acceptance.
Why clients choose BATS for multi-state tax filing
Reviewed line by line
Every return is checked against your documents and last year's return before it's filed.
Every state covered
Federal, state and local returns prepared together so nothing is missed or taxed twice.
Planning built in
We flag next year's savings opportunities while we prepare this year's return.
Help after filing
If the IRS or a state sends a letter about a return we prepared, we help you answer it.
Multi-State Tax Filing FAQs
11 answers to the questions clients ask us most. Don't see yours? Ask us directly.
I moved mid-year. How many returns do I file?
Usually a part-year return in each state you lived in, plus a nonresident return anywhere else you earned income. States with no income tax on wages need no individual return.
I work remotely for a company in another state. Do I owe that state?
Most states tax based on where you physically work, but a few apply a 'convenience of the employer' rule. We check the rules for your specific states.
Can I be taxed twice on the same income?
Your home state generally gives a credit for tax paid to the other state. Getting that credit right is a large part of what we do.
What makes me a resident of a state?
Usually your domicile, meaning your permanent home, plus statutory residency rules. Many states treat you as a resident if you keep a home there and spend more than 183 days in the state, even if you consider yourself domiciled elsewhere.
What are reciprocal agreements?
Some neighbouring states agree that commuters pay income tax only to their home state. For example, Illinois has agreements with Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan and Wisconsin. You file a form with your employer so the right state is withheld.
My employer withheld tax for the wrong state. Can I get it back?
Usually yes. We file a nonresident return to claim a refund from the state that shouldn't have received the tax and help you correct your withholding going forward.
Do I really need to track the days I work in each state?
Yes. High-tax states audit residency and remote-work claims, and a day-by-day record is the strongest evidence you can have.
Do states tax retirement income from my old state?
Federal law prevents states from taxing most pension and retirement plan income of people who no longer live there. Other income sourced to the old state may still be taxable.
How much does tax preparation cost?
Fees depend on the forms involved, the number of states and how organised your records are. After a short consultation we give you a written quote before any work starts.
Is my information secure?
Yes. Documents are exchanged through an encrypted client portal, and we follow a written information security plan as the FTC Safeguards Rule requires of tax preparers.
Can you prepare returns for prior years?
Yes. We prepare current and past-year federal and state returns, which is useful if you are catching up or amending.
Often paired with this service
Individual Tax Preparation
Federal and state Form 1040 preparation for W-2 earners, families and investors, filed electronically and reviewed line by line.
Learn moreTax Preparation & FilingBusiness Tax Preparation
Partnership, S corporation and C corporation tax returns prepared accurately and on time, with K-1s delivered to owners.
Learn moreAccounting & BookkeepingSales Tax Compliance
Sales tax nexus studies, state registrations, return filing and voluntary disclosure for sellers in multiple states.
Learn moreMulti-State Tax Filing in every state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington, D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Popular cities
- Birmingham, AL
- Anchorage, AK
- Phoenix, AZ
- Little Rock, AR
- Los Angeles, CA
- Denver, CO
- Bridgeport, CT
- Wilmington, DE
- Jacksonville, FL
- Atlanta, GA
- Honolulu, HI
- Boise, ID
- Chicago, IL
- Indianapolis, IN
- Des Moines, IA
- Wichita, KS
- Louisville, KY
- New Orleans, LA
- Portland, ME
- Baltimore, MD
- Boston, MA
- Detroit, MI
- Minneapolis, MN
- Jackson, MS
- Kansas City, MO
- Billings, MT
- Omaha, NE
- Las Vegas, NV
- Manchester, NH
- Newark, NJ
- Albuquerque, NM
- New York City, NY
- Charlotte, NC
- Fargo, ND
- Columbus, OH
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Portland, OR
- Philadelphia, PA
- Providence, RI
- Charleston, SC
- Sioux Falls, SD
- Nashville, TN
- Houston, TX
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Burlington, VT
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Seattle, WA
- Washington
- Charleston, WV
- Milwaukee, WI
- Cheyenne, WY
Get help with multi-state tax filing
Book a consultation and get a clear plan for your taxes and books, wherever you are in the U.S.