Hi I just completed my MBA in 21 Aug 2005 and was working in the university in New york ,

Now my OPT is going on and I got a job in New Jersey in 22nd Aug 2005, but my resident is still NY
I will change my resident to NJ in Nov 25th 2005.

Do I get two W2 forms one in my university and one in my work place?
So how do I about the taxes? What all do I need?

Do I have to fill taxes for
1.New york State
2. New york City and
3. New Jersey

How much do professional tax people charge for making your taxes?

Please suggest if you know


Thank you
Sumesh Agrawal

Sumesh Agrawal:

You will need to fill out a state income tax return for both NY state and NJ state. The NYC income tax is embedded in the NY state tax return and is filled in only if you live within the NY city limits.

Since you worked first in NY, then changed work location to NJ with a different employer, you will get a W-2 from the NY employer with only NY income taxes withheld. You will get a second W-2 from the second employer with both NY and NJ income taxes withheld.

Yours is a somewhat complicated tax situation, as for part of the year you:

- Worked and lived in NY.
- Worked in NJ, but lived in NY.
- Worked and lived in NJ.

You are wise to get professional tax help in filing your return. While too complicated for you, a tax professional most anywhere in the United States could do your return, as we deal with multiple state issues all the time, What a tax professional in the NY/NJ area will charge will vary, but my best guess will be somewhere in the $200 - $300 range for the federal return and two state income tax returns.

I can prepare your return (the federal return and two state income tax returns) for you for $150, plus $25 if you are eligible and choose to file to file electronically. If you are interested, contact me at [email protected]. I have a number of clients with whom I communicate via e-mail and phone and have never met face-to-face. I can provide references, if necessary.