Residency state
Usually the state where you live and spend most of your time.
May 2026 Guide
Residency vs Employer State.
Know which state matters for your home life and which state matters for your paycheck.
Employer state
The state tied to your workplace, headquarters, or payroll system.
Why the split matters
The bridge changes when those two states are different, especially for convenience-rule states.
The simplest rule of thumb
Your residency state is the starting point, but your employer state may still affect withholding and state tax exposure.
How to compare them
Use the calculator to compare the two locations, then open the relevant corridor page for a state-pair estimate.
Keep this in mind
If you move, change employers, or change filing status, the right answer can change fast.
May 2026 Reading Path
Return to the Calculator or the Hub.
Use the guide to understand the rule, then open the calculator to estimate your own 2026 take-home pay.