I lived in IN from August 2004 until 6th December 2008 (Int'l student status), so filed Indiana state taxes until 2007. I moved to CA on 7th December 2008 and started working there on 5 Jan 2009. I received moving expenses from the company in Dec 2008, and a W-2 showing the income and CA state taxes withheld.

For 2008, can I file as full-year non-resident in CA or do I have to file as part-year non-resident in CA? Are 25 days (7th to 31st Dec) enough for CA residency, even if part-year??

Thanks,
Ayesha

For 2008, you are part year resident of CA. The income earned after 7th Dec 2008 is CA income to be reported on CA tax return. Your income may be below the filing requirements, but you may file to get the refund.

You must also file IN tax return for all your income for the year or income from Jan 08 to 7th Dec 08.

Thank you. I already filed my IN taxes as full year resident and got a refund. I hope filing as part year NR in CA, won't conflict with that.

You can file as a non-resident for California; your presence in the state for less than one month is not enough to establish residency unless you want it to.