If you’re in the military, you’re probably taxed in your state of legal residence rather than in the state where you’re stationed. Filing taxes while deployed can depend on your state of residence as well. To establish legal residence in a state, you usually must prove you live — and intend to continue living — there.

Can military file taxes in any state?

Active-duty service members file state income taxes in their state of legal residence. Military service members are not required to change their legal residence when they move to a new state solely because of military orders; they may maintain their legal residence in a state where they have previously established it.

Do you claim active duty pay as California source income?

Military personnel who are residents of California and stationed in California must claim the active duty pay as California source income.

Do you have to report military pay in California?

If you are a resident of California – Military members that are residents of California must include their military pay in their total income. If you file a joint return for federal filing purposes, you may file the California return separately if either spouse was active duty during the year.

Can you leave California while on sea duty?

If you leave California under a TDY, you will continue to be a California resident. If your home port is in California, you remain a resident while on sea duty, regardless of the ship’s location.

Can a military spouse claim a California tax exemption?

You may qualify for a California tax exemption under the MSRAA if all of the following apply: For tax years on or after 2018, you may elect to use the same residence as your active duty spouse. is taxable. This includes all military pension income, regardless of where you were stationed or domiciled while on active duty.