How do I pay State Income Taxes if I live and work abroad? Of which State am I a resident?

I currently live in California. I have been here 5 years and I rent. I am starting a job with the State Department in the Fall and will move to DC for 6-18 months and then live/work abroad. I have no family ties in California. My family is in Illinois. How does this work??? Will I be a California resident even though I have no family or physical presence here? Will I be an Illinois resident? Will I be a DC resident (even though once I go abroad I will have no ties in the DC area)?

Public Comments

1. You wont. The first year you will be responsible for the CA. taxes for the time you lived their. When you move to DC, I believe its only federal. Illinois has nothing to do with it unless you claim that as your residents. Ties do not have anything to do with tax's. As a federal employee overseas you will still be taxed on your income, but I believe you still have to claim a home state. Many full time RV'ers that live on the road, use a mail service and banking in states that are low on taxes.