I spoke to a contact at the California school, and my accountant. Since I am someone who does not live in the state nor perform any work duties in the state, the school should not be withholding any funds. If they were to do so, my first step would be to show them that they made an error and get them to send me a check for what they withheld. There's no form to fill out because this would flat out be an error on the part of the California university.
However, if for whatever reason they insisted, my accountant would have to file a non-resident tax return to get the money back and that, of course, would cost me money. I am trying to avoid this at all costs.
What a mess! But also a reason to read your contracts carefully. I never would have thought to head this issue off at the pass if I hadn't done so.
Jen!
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