Forum Discussion

dcason's avatar
dcason
Explorer
Apr 01, 2021

Domicle not getting caught?

WE currently live in NY state and will be full timing as soon as we get rid of our stuff. Husband was a hard sell but for health reasons I need to get out of this damp climate. I've been doing some reading on domicle. Two of our children live in NY state. One in AZ but I am reading that whichever state you pick, you need to establish "relationships" (think doctors, dentists and spend some time there). I DO NOT want it to be NY but could 2 months per year be enough in AZ to be considered domicle if we have credit cards blasting as many as 5 months per year in NY? Anyone get busted? Don't want that and don't know how much they check.
  • wapiticountry's avatar
    wapiticountry
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2021
    A lot of it comes down to how much income you have and how much taxation you are looking to avoid. If you have substantial income, your current state may possibly attempt to verify you have moved. If you only pay a couple of thousand in state income tax, you are too small a fish for them to chase. The other hurdle would be insurance if you do not yet qualify for medicare. Insurance thru the health exchanges may require some proof and it differs by state.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Apr 01, 2021
    Look at the bigger picture - You will have a state of resident which involves local, state and federal taxes, medical, vehicle DL, registration, insurance, snail mail, voting, income which can include taxes from multiple states, estate tax and inheritance, filing non resident taxes and a host of other considerations.

    Plus some states may consider you a resident and want your taxes etc based on their criteria.

    Suggest using Google and sort through the criteria that apply to you.
  • arhayes's avatar
    arhayes
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2021
    Check out the info on Domiciles from Escapees, the national organization for Full-Timers. https://www.escapees.com/education/domicile/
    The high tax states all want a piece of the action, so you have to be careful about where your income in coming from as they STILL may try to tax it. Hopefully the link will give guidance.
  • LouLawrence's avatar
    LouLawrence
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2021
    You can travel full time and remain a NY resident until you get rid of your stuff. Once you no longer have a connection to NY you will want to look at becoming residents of FL, TX or SD (in that order). SD does require you to spend 1 night at a campground in SD to qualify. There can also be health care issue in SD so be sure you make a good choice. FL is the best domicile (IMHO) based on cost. All 3 States have no State income taxes.
    You don't need to setup and kind of relationships at any of these States, just go there, get DL and vehicles registered and then hit the road!
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Apr 01, 2021
    Most states don't care how long you stay in the state, the exceptions are high tax states: the NE including NY, IL and Cali. But I suggest you pick one of the no income tax states: Texas, Florida or South Dakota. Most fulltime RVers use one of those states.

    Texas might be a better match since you want to visit AZ. Once you get you TX driver's license and tags Texas doesn't care where you are. The same with FL and SD
  • aguablanco's avatar
    aguablanco
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2021
    Just use the kids address and get drivers licenses, registration, insurance and any other things you would do when you move. Have your bills go electronic with auto pay. You are not the first people to retire to AZ from NY.
    RichH

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