i work for a dredging company based in louisiana but we work in miss, ala, fla, and tx as well. even though we work on the water are they supposed to take out taxes for that state even though we dont live there?

Which taxes are you talking about? Federal, FICA and Medicare taxes, yes. State taxes are a very complicated issue and it depends on the relationship between your "home" work state and the state you are working in, and how many days you spend in that state. If you are working in federal waters, state taxes normally don't need to be deducted (at least if you live in Louisiana; I don't have time right now to look at the other states). Do you live in Louisiana?

yes i am a louisiana resident i have been working in al and fl since september. Some of my co-workers have looked into this matter and they said they are only supposed to take out taxes for the state u live in. they have talked to lawyers and are getting back all the taxes they paid over the years from these states.

I don't necessarily agree, but let's start here.

The basic rule is that state income taxes are deducted in the state in which you work. If you work in federal waters but live in Louisiana, since the company is based in LA, they should be withholding Louisiana income taxes when you are working in federal waters or in Louisiana waters.

Whether or not a particular state requires withholding when you are on a temporary assignment often depends on how many days you are in the state.

Of course, Florida has no income tax, so Louisiana tax should be withheld if you are working within Florida or its territorial waters.

Alabama requires withholding for wages earned within the state.
An employer who is not a resident of Alabama is required
to withhold tax from the wages of his employees to the extent
that such wages are earned in Alabama, whether the employee
is a resident or a nonresident of Alabama.
http://www.revenue.alabama.gov/Withholding/whbooklet_1107.pdf

ok thank u. one more thing from where i live to where i work is a 10hr drive each way if i save all of my gas recipts and maintence tickets for my truck can i claim them on my taxes?

Probably, if they exceed 10% of AGI. See a tax preparer/advisor.

The limitation is 2% of AGI. Of course there is no point in itemizing if you can't get over the standard deduction. But, yeah, see a tax pro.

The limitation is 2% of AGI. Of course there is no point in itemizing if you can't get over the standard deduction. But, yeah, see a tax pro.

Oops. I knew that. :o Thanks, Red.