So we are planning to go full time in 2021. We haven't made our rig purchases yet but plan to over the winter. We currently live in NY and our kids live here also. So.....domicile. We are considering FL as it seems to make sense for us - we've vacationed there and its possible after traveling we would put some winter roots there. I'm nervous - We DONT want the IRS to come looking for us. I understand the hoops we need to jump through and we are willing to do all that is needed as well as consult an attorney. I'm just wondering others thoughts on this? Should we keep NY as our domicile and have peace of mind that uncle sam won't come looking for us or "move" to FL and save $$$? I'd be especially interested in previous New Yorkers experience.....both good and bad! thank you!!
LarryW21 said
08:08 AM Aug 8, 2020
The IRS is unconcerned about your domicile.
GTM41261 said
09:52 AM Aug 8, 2020
Move and don't look back. I live in Oregon and when I retire I'm out of here.
NorCal Dan said
02:51 PM Aug 8, 2020
As former full-timers we discovered it is mandatory to have a home of record. We used the Escapees mailbox program because it is court approved to be used for residency. Escapees makes it easy to change residency and register your vehicles in Texas (and all via mail, no need to actually go to Texas).
Many things key off this data, vehicle registration and insurance, medical coverage, income taxes, even satellite TV providers...so choose wisely.
-- Edited by NorCal Dan on Sunday 9th of August 2020 11:14:27 AM
arcaguy said
03:07 PM Aug 8, 2020
You are smart to consult an attorney but even that probably won't be a guarantee as domicile is generally a facts and circumstances test. You might also want to discuss this with your CPA as this is really as much or more a tax issue than a legal issue. As Larry21 said this is not an IRS issue but it certainly a State of New York issue and they seem to be one of the more aggressive states when it comes to trying to tax former residents. Here's a link I found but frankly it doesn't seem to be exhaustive. www.hodgsonruss.com/domicile-residency-law.html
This can be a very tricky thing. Good luck.
-- Edited by arcaguy on Saturday 8th of August 2020 05:00:01 PM
NWFL said
04:44 PM Aug 8, 2020
Americasmailbox.com in South Dakota.
GTM41261 said
06:28 PM Aug 8, 2020
Agree South Dakota is looking pretty good as a base of operations. Spend one night go to the DMV and show them your hotel or campground receipt make sure both names are on the receipt and they will register your vehicles and change your drivers license. Then all you have to do is spend a couple nights every 4 years to renew your license.
-- Edited by GTM41261 on Saturday 8th of August 2020 06:28:57 PM
jcordar2 said
07:34 PM Aug 8, 2020
Thank you for the replies. I should have said NY State, not IRS. I think the next step is to consult our CPA and go from there. NYS wants their tax money and I'm sure they wont be happy to see us move to FL. The last thing I want to do is to start WORRYING as we start living our FT dream! So. Dakota sounds good but proving domicile there seems tricky to me.... it's cold there - why would 2 retirees want to settle there? Doesnt seem like an easy task to convince NY state why we would just love to live there when we are done with FT RVing....
Terry and Jo said
10:26 PM Aug 8, 2020
I don't know if it still applies, but check out health insurance if you consider South Dakota. A few years ago, some were reporting some problems. In fact, you may want to do that for any state chosen for domicile.
Terry
LarryW21 said
07:49 AM Aug 9, 2020
Health insurance should be on top of the list, Terry. Particularly if you are not 65 yet. Good suggestion.
jcordar2 said
04:28 PM Aug 9, 2020
We are both on Medicare.
LarryW21 said
06:34 PM Aug 9, 2020
If you have a supplemental insurance, check with your agent.
Terry and Jo said
11:10 PM Aug 9, 2020
LarryW21 wrote:
If you have a supplemental insurance, check with your agent.
I'll add to avoid the Medicare Advantage plans. I signed up with one of those in Colorado, but when we "moved" to Oregon, it was not valid there. After a while, I finally got back onto regular Medicare and got a supplement through USAA. With the supplement, we are able to go to any doctor in any state.
Move and don't look back. I live in Oregon and when I retire I'm out of here.
As former full-timers we discovered it is mandatory to have a home of record. We used the Escapees mailbox program because it is court approved to be used for residency. Escapees makes it easy to change residency and register your vehicles in Texas (and all via mail, no need to actually go to Texas).
Many things key off this data, vehicle registration and insurance, medical coverage, income taxes, even satellite TV providers...so choose wisely.
-- Edited by NorCal Dan on Sunday 9th of August 2020 11:14:27 AM
You are smart to consult an attorney but even that probably won't be a guarantee as domicile is generally a facts and circumstances test. You might also want to discuss this with your CPA as this is really as much or more a tax issue than a legal issue. As Larry21 said this is not an IRS issue but it certainly a State of New York issue and they seem to be one of the more aggressive states when it comes to trying to tax former residents.
Here's a link I found but frankly it doesn't seem to be exhaustive. www.hodgsonruss.com/domicile-residency-law.html
This can be a very tricky thing. Good luck.
-- Edited by arcaguy on Saturday 8th of August 2020 05:00:01 PM
Agree South Dakota is looking pretty good as a base of operations. Spend one night go to the DMV and show them your hotel or campground receipt make sure both names are on the receipt and they will register your vehicles and change your drivers license. Then all you have to do is spend a couple nights every 4 years to renew your license.
-- Edited by GTM41261 on Saturday 8th of August 2020 06:28:57 PM
I don't know if it still applies, but check out health insurance if you consider South Dakota. A few years ago, some were reporting some problems. In fact, you may want to do that for any state chosen for domicile.
Terry
I'll add to avoid the Medicare Advantage plans. I signed up with one of those in Colorado, but when we "moved" to Oregon, it was not valid there. After a while, I finally got back onto regular Medicare and got a supplement through USAA. With the supplement, we are able to go to any doctor in any state.
Terry