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How to determine state income tax withholding for nonresident employees

Stay compliant by learning how reciprocal agreements and nonresident exemptions impact withholding for cross‑state workers.

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by Alice Gilman

In general, an employer must withhold income taxes from the pay of an employee for the state in which the employee works. Therefore, employees who work in a state they do not live in are usually subject to withholding for the work state’s income tax in addition to the income tax of their state of residence.

In this guide, learn about:

  • Step 1: Identify the Employee’s State of Residence
  • Step 2: Verify Whether a Reciprocity Agreement Applies
  • Step 3: Decide Whether to Offer Courtesy Withholding to Nonresident Employees
  • Step 4: Ascertain Whether the Nonresident Military Spouse Exemption Applies
  • Step 5: Determine Whether There is Nexus With a Remote Nonresident Employee’s Work State

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