W2 shows incorrect state income allocation - Can this be fixed?

Thanks for the info. If I file based on my actual time in each state rather than what's on the W2, will this trigger an audit? I'm worried about getting flagged since my filing wouldn't match what the employer reported.

Filing with amounts that differ from your W2 might increase the chance of questions from tax authorities, but it doesn't automatically trigger an audit. The key is having proper documentation to support your position. When filing with a different allocation than your W2 shows, include a clear explanation statement with your returns. Most state tax forms have a section for explaining discrepancies. Also, keep documentation that proves your physical presence in each state - lease agreements, utility bills, bank statements showing local transactions, and even receipts from regular activities in each location.

How exactly does taxr.ai work? Do they just give advice or do they actually help with the filing process? I'm dealing with a similar situation but between three different states and I'm totally lost.

I'm a bit skeptical about these online tax services. Did you have any issues with your return after using their advice? Did either state come back with questions?

They don't file for you - they analyze your specific situation, review your documentation, and provide detailed guidance. You upload your tax documents and they give you specific advice tailored to your situation, including the exact forms you need and language to use when explaining discrepancies. It's more like having a tax pro review your unique situation rather than generic advice. No issues at all with my return. I followed their documentation recommendations exactly, included the explanation they suggested with my filing, and both states processed my returns without any questions. They were really clear about what proof I needed to keep on hand in case of questions later, but I haven't heard anything from either state tax department.

How does this Claimyr thing actually work? I don't understand how they can get you through faster than just calling yourself. Sounds like they just charge you for something you could do yourself?

Yeah right. Nothing gets you through to government agencies faster. I've tried everything and still wait hours every time I call. This sounds like a scam to me.

Claimyr uses an automated system that continuously redials and navigates the IRS/state tax phone trees until it gets a human, then it calls you and connects you. You don't have to sit there listening to hold music for hours - they call you when they get a person. I was skeptical too, but after spending multiple days trying to get through on my own (and getting disconnected twice after 90+ minutes of waiting), I was desperate. It's not a scam - they don't ask for any personal tax info and you still talk directly with the actual tax agency representative yourself. The service just handles the frustrating waiting game for you.

How do I know if my states offer this nonresident credit? Is this something all states do?

Not all states offer nonresident credits, and the rules vary significantly. Most states with income taxes do offer some form of credit to avoid double taxation, but the formulas and limitations differ. To find out, go to each state's tax department website and search for "credit for taxes paid to another state" or "nonresident credit." The credit is typically on a specific schedule or line of your resident state return. Some states have reciprocity agreements that make the process even easier, but those only apply to specific pairs of neighboring states.

Is a simple count of days enough or do they want to see actual proof for each day? My situation is even more complicated because I sometimes work remotely while traveling to a third state to visit family.

@Abigail Spencer For the day count, most states want to see reasonable documentation rather than proof for every single day. Your main work location, hotel receipts, flight itineraries, and rental agreements usually suffice for the bulk of your time. The remote work while visiting family in a third state can definitely complicate things! Generally, if you re'working remotely while temporarily visiting another state, that work is usually attributed to your primary work state rather than where you happened to be physically located. But this varies by state - some have convenience "of employer rules" that might treat it differently. I d'recommend documenting your travel dates and work patterns, then checking each state s'specific rules about temporary work locations. You might also want to consult with a tax professional since three-state situations can get really complex with all the different allocation rules.

This is such an important point about residency definitions! I learned this the hard way when I moved mid-year between states. Even though I physically lived in State A for 8 months and State B for 4 months, State A still considered me a resident because I kept my driver's license and voter registration there initially. What made it even more confusing was that the two states had completely different rules - one used the 183-day test while the other focused on "intent to remain permanently." I ended up having to file as a part-year resident in both states and provide documentation showing my intent to establish domicile in the new state (lease agreement, utility transfers, DMV records, etc.). @Jason Brewer - definitely check both states residency' rules before you decide how to file. The physical presence test might not be the determining factor, and you want to make sure your filing approach aligns with how each state actually defines residency status.

That's really helpful to know about Form 4852! I had no idea the IRS could actually contact employers on your behalf for W2 corrections. How long does that process typically take? I'm wondering if it's worth trying this route first before filing with my own allocation calculations, or if I should just go ahead and file with documentation since we're getting close to tax season. Also, does using Form 4852 create any red flags or complications for your return? I want to make sure I'm not making things more complicated than they need to be, especially since this whole situation started from my own delay in updating my address with HR.

@Isabella Santos The IRS employer contact process through Form 4852 typically takes 6-8 weeks, which might be too long if you re'trying to file soon. The IRS generally recommends trying to get the correction directly from your employer first, and only using Form 4852 if they refuse or don t'respond within a reasonable time. Using Form 4852 doesn t'necessarily create red flags, but it does signal to the IRS that there s'a discrepancy with your employer s'reporting. You ll'need to attach documentation supporting your position, similar to what you d'do if filing with your own allocation calculations. Given that we re'in tax season, I d'suggest trying one more direct approach with your employer maybe (escalating beyond HR to payroll or accounting while) simultaneously gathering your documentation for the self-filing approach. If your employer responds quickly, great. If not, you can proceed with filing based on your actual allocation with proper documentation - that s'probably faster and just as legitimate as waiting for the IRS process to play out. The key is having solid documentation either way, so start collecting those rental agreements, utility bills, and work records now regardless of which route you choose.