Hi,
I am a grad student with research assthshp job in my univ. at Alabama from Jan-May, and worked as a paid intern student from May to Dec. at a company in Washington state.

SHould I file for Federal and State tax for both the states separately or combined? How should I file taxes? Also, can I deduct any expenses like boarding, meals etc. while moving from AL to WA and then back? I am from India, and currently on F1 visa.

Thanks a lot

Kumar

Income earned while in Alabama must be reported to Alabama. Same for Washington state.

Since you have spent more than 183 days in Washington state, you may be resident of the state. So you must also report your Alabama tax return. You will claim credit of tax paid to Alabama.

Read Your U.S. Tax Return: Working or Living in Two or More states and
Your U.S. Tax Return: Moving Expenses

Washington state has NO state income tax, so state residency is NOT an issue there.

If you return to Alabama, then Alabama will consider you to be a state resident and WILL expect you to pay taxes on the income you earned while in Washington.

Alabama may not catch it right away, but it will come up eventually if they got a copy of your Washington state W-2.