SD vs TX residency

Someone said about Texas state inspectios: Texas does not have a state income tax.

I always laugh when I hear people getting all worked up about the safety inspections in Texas, which only need to be done when you are in the state. We know people who go 5-6 years without going into the state and just have the inspection done when they do re-enter. The inspection takes all of 10 minutes, costs $14.50, and they check lights, horns, brakes, etc., no emission testing unless you live in one of the big cities - and those who use Escapees don't live in a big city.

Do I understand this to say, that if I am out of the state when y inspection is due, I don't need to have till I return to the state. Will I need to show proof of being out of state? Is there any penalty?

2gypsies wrote:
Definitely go over your medical insurance plan if you get SD residency. Since the new programs we've heard of folks finding it difficult to travel and still be covered by their insurance policy or even obtaining a SD insurance plan that allows you to use out of state medical help.

We are Texas residents via full-timing and have Medicare with a PPO supplement. We haven't had any problems doctoring as we travel and have had multiple surgeries.

We haven't visited Texas for a few years. If you're not in Texas you don't have to go there for inspections and for jury duty you just call the number on the postcard and you're excused because of traveling. We'd highly recommend going through the Escapees RV Club for mail service and ease of working with the town's government office for registrations, etc.

The mail service has so many customers that it was given it's own postal address. They have a huge automated mail sorting facility just like a post office. If you're waiting for an important document they'll hand sort to see if it arrived. We've used them for 17+ years with no problems. We use the basic rate of $85/year + postage and now since nearly everything can be done online we only have mail shipped once a month.

Some SD health insurers will not provide any coverage to those with a mail forwarding address. They want you to show a permanent address you have been at for at least six months.

Definitely go over your medical insurance plan if you get SD residency. Since the new programs we've heard of folks finding it difficult to travel and still be covered by their insurance policy or even obtaining a SD insurance plan that allows you to use out of state medical help.

We are Texas residents via full-timing and have Medicare with a PPO supplement. We haven't had any problems doctoring as we travel and have had multiple surgeries.

We haven't visited Texas for a few years. If you're not in Texas you don't have to go there for inspections and for jury duty you just call the number on the postcard and you're excused because of traveling. We'd highly recommend going through the Escapees RV Club for mail service and ease of working with the town's government office for registrations, etc.

The mail service has so many customers that it was given it's own postal address. They have a huge automated mail sorting facility just like a post office. If you're waiting for an important document they'll hand sort to see if it arrived. We've used them for 17+ years with no problems. We use the basic rate of $85/year + postage and now since nearly everything can be done online we only have mail shipped once a month.

So the issue is where to domicile, not where to actually live. Am I right? My retirement and SSI will not have state tax in SD, TX, AZ, NV, AK or FL (Or HI, where I live now). My IRA annuity is taxed here in HI but not in SD or TX. That said, the vehicle tax when registering in SD is only 3%. Other states are higher, that can be a big chunk of change. Also there is no annual vehicle inspection. As far as sales tax, I'm not gonna be long in that state but will pay sales taxes where ever I am; on fuel, food, whatever... Also the personal property tax is not collected in SD and some of the other states. Its obvious that a full timer will leave or avoid certain states for various reasons as the person from MI above states. The medical situation is very important and discussed a lot on forums. For many, vehicle and medical insurance are the two highest monthly expenses. I get medical for life through my Hawaii ERS benefits.
As usual YMMV, I could easily see visiting SD every 5 years for DL renewal.

BoonHauler wrote:

restlesswind wrote:

mmiille wrote:
Is there one or two of these mail forwarding places in North Sioux City, SD? I am in Sioux City a few times a year and could stay there a night or two and sign up for a new address. Sounds like auto and rv insurance and license plates will be a lot cheaper for me.

You do not even need to be in SD to set up a mail forwarding address.
You will need to show up at one of the SD DMV offices to register your vehicles.The DMV office does not need to be in the same town as your mailing service.
A quick Google will show all of the mail forwarding companies in SD.

You DO NOT need to be in SD to register a vehicle. As stated above you can do it all by mail.

You DO need to visit SD for 24 hrs to get a SD Drivers License.

Wow! I'm glad I wasn't driving today,'cause I must have been asleep at the wheel.That is correct...you do NOT need to go to SD to register your vehicles!! Maybe I needed more coffee or something.

BoonHauler wrote:

restlesswind wrote:

mmiille wrote:
Is there one or two of these mail forwarding places in North Sioux City, SD? I am in Sioux City a few times a year and could stay there a night or two and sign up for a new address. Sounds like auto and rv insurance and license plates will be a lot cheaper for me.

You do not even need to be in SD to set up a mail forwarding address.
You will need to show up at one of the SD DMV offices to register your vehicles.The DMV office does not need to be in the same town as your mailing service.
A quick Google will show all of the mail forwarding companies in SD.

You DO NOT need to be in SD to register a vehicle. As stated above you can do it all by mail.


So it looks like I do need to go there for my driver's license.

It looks like my toad is half price for the registration, but my 42,000 lb rv is higher than the $400 per year I am paying now.

I'll see what the insurance looks like before "moving".
You DO need to visit SD for 24 hrs to get a SD Drivers License.

http://www.alternativeresources.net/RV-Registration-Fees.html

restlesswind wrote:

mmiille wrote:
Is there one or two of these mail forwarding places in North Sioux City, SD? I am in Sioux City a few times a year and could stay there a night or two and sign up for a new address. Sounds like auto and rv insurance and license plates will be a lot cheaper for me.

You do not even need to be in SD to set up a mail forwarding address.
You will need to show up at one of the SD DMV offices to register your vehicles.The DMV office does not need to be in the same town as your mailing service.
A quick Google will show all of the mail forwarding companies in SD.

You DO NOT need to be in SD to register a vehicle. As stated above you can do it all by mail.

You DO need to visit SD for 24 hrs to get a SD Drivers License.

mmiille wrote:
Is there one or two of these mail forwarding places in North Sioux City, SD? I am in Sioux City a few times a year and could stay there a night or two and sign up for a new address. Sounds like auto and rv insurance and license plates will be a lot cheaper for me.

You do not even need to be in SD to set up a mail forwarding address.
You will need to show up at one of the SD DMV offices to register your vehicles.The DMV office does not need to be in the same town as your mailing service.
A quick Google will show all of the mail forwarding companies in SD.

mmiille wrote:
Is there one or two of these mail forwarding places in North Sioux City, SD? I am in Sioux City a few times a year and could stay there a night or two and sign up for a new address. Sounds like auto and rv insurance and license plates will be a lot cheaper for me.

You do not have to go, you can do it all by mail.

curlysue321 wrote:
Both have no state income tax so why is SD more often a choice for residence for full time RVers?

TN and FL also do not have an income tax. However, about ever 5 to 10 years each including TX have talked about an income tax when the state gov needs some money.

SD has taken a position that they will not have an income tax, No estate tax, and has the (?) most favorable TRUST laws. 20 (?) years ago they made these changes to get credit card companies, banks, and RV's . . :B . . to move to SD.

AK is also trying to get people to move to AK. They have a NEGATIVE income tax. That is the state pays you to live in AK.