Expert: Ivan Roth - 11/2/2009

Question
I am employed in Alaska full-time, and spend sixty percent of the year in Alaska, and the rest of the year in California. I do not work in California for any means of income. I am interested in purchasing a home in California, and would like to know what my California tax responsibility would be as an out-of-state worker. Would I be required to pay California State Income Tax?

I have an Alaska driver's license, Alaskan and California bank accounts, and vehicles registered in Alaska and California. I am a registered voter in the state of Alaska. I have a mailing address in Alaska and an apartment lease in California.

Answer
Hi Denver as  long as you do not spend more than 182 days in CA you will be taxed as a CA non-resident only on CA earnings
however if you are trapped by the warm weather and spend more than 182 days in CA you will be considered a resident and all your earnings will be subject to the CA income tax.