Hello,

I've tried searching the forum but I could not find an answer to my specific question so I'm going to post.

I'm a single renter with no dependents living in New Jersey. I work in Manhattan and my total earnings last year were approx $69k. I worked for two seperate firms but never at the same time. The first firm withheld 5% of my earnings for NY and 1% for NJ. The second firm (last 3 1/2 months of 2008) also withheld 5% for NY but 0 for NJ.

My accountant has prepared my 2008 return. I'm entitled to what seems to be too substantial of a Federal return but I owe NY a few dollars and NJ nearly 2000 dollars.

Does this seem to correct?
Aren't there reciprocity laws between NY and NJ?
Shouldn't the 5% I paid to NY more than cover the taxes I owe NJ?

I appreciate any help which may be offered in this last minute time of need.