INSTRUCTIONS: CALIFORNIA NONRESIDENT OR PART-YEAR RESIDENT INCOME TAX RETURN SHORT FORM (Form 540NR)

California nonresidents who must pay income tax in the state, as well as part-year residents, can use a short form 540NR to file if they made $100,000 or less in a year and meet all other qualifications listed on the website of the California Franchise Tax Board. A long form version can also be completed.

California Nonresident Or Part-Year Resident Income Tax Return Short Form 540NR Step 1: At the top of the page, give your name, address, tax identification number and date of birth. If you file taxes jointly with your spouse, include their name, tax identification number and date of birth as well.

California Nonresident Or Part-Year Resident Income Tax Return Short Form 540NR Step 2: If you or your spouse's last name was different on your previous year's tax return, enter the previously filed last name where indicated.

California Nonresident Or Part-Year Resident Income Tax Return Short Form 540NR Step 3: On lines 1 through 5, fill in the oval next the statement describing your filing status.

California Nonresident Or Part-Year Resident Income Tax Return Short Form 540NR Step 4: Describe your residency status where indicated.

California Nonresident Or Part-Year Resident Income Tax Return Short Form 540NR Step 5: If you can be claimed as a dependent, fill in the oval on line 6.

California Nonresident Or Part-Year Resident Income Tax Return Short Form 540NR Step 6: Lines 7 through 11 concern any exemptions you wish to claim.

California Nonresident Or Part-Year Resident Income Tax Return Short Form 540NR Step 7: Compute your total taxable income as instructed on lines 12 through 19.

California Nonresident Or Part-Year Resident Income Tax Return Short Form 540NR Step 8: Calculate your California taxable income as instructed on lines 31 through 42.

California Nonresident Or Part-Year Resident Income Tax Return Short Form 540NR Step 9: Lines 61 and 74 concern adjustments for a nonrefundable renter's credit if applicable. Line 81 concerns state income tax withheld from wages. Lines 103 concerns overpaid tax, while line 104 provides your adjusted tax due.

California Nonresident Or Part-Year Resident Income Tax Return Short Form 540NR Step 10: Note any voluntary contributions where indicated. If you owe money, enter this on line 121. If no amount is due or you are entitled to a refund, complete line 125.