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Don2466's avatar
Don2466
Explorer
Dec 30, 2016

Retired Law Enforcement from Michiga

Just wanted to get in contact and get some advise from any retired officers from Michigan that have the MERS retirement. I'll be retiring in 2yrs after 25yrs, me and the wife want to full time rv but the more I look into changing our domicile to florida or texas it sure seems to be a lot of headache to do it.
My biggest thing is getting away from Michigan taxing my MERS, I wanna domicile where there is no state income tax and no tax on social security (when/if that day comes). The other concern in health insurance, I assume I have to buy health insurance in either of those 2 states, anyone got any ideas on how much that runs?
Any advice would be great, thanks..........Don
  • retispcsi's avatar
    retispcsi
    Explorer
    Dec 30, 2016
    Don I am retired from Illinois and I domicile in Fla since 2005. Mailbox forwarding (Legal address) out of Crestview Fla. We travel Full time and usually spend winters in Fla. No state tax on your income period. It is not difficult to change to Fla. Check with the Tax Collector in Okaloosa Co. they do all of the veh. related info. Several counties in Fla. will qualify you for your HR 218 and also Fla. conceal carry not hard to get. Anyway I do not know about your insurance. You will have to check to see if you have a PPO. Mine which was through the employer Cigna goes anywhere we go. Two years from now you may have other insurance options.
  • lanerd's avatar
    lanerd
    Explorer II
    Dec 30, 2016
    gbopp wrote:
    Did you check with your local FOP organizations?

    They may have the advice you are seeking, or can advise you who you can contact.


    Very subtle, gbopp.
  • dahkota's avatar
    dahkota
    Explorer
    Dec 30, 2016
    DH is retired LEO. We 'moved' to FL. We pay no state income tax so no tax on the pensions. For health insurance we went directly to Blue Cross and purchase it there - it is a lot cheaper than what we would be paying to stay on retiree plan though the deductible is higher. There are 1000s of retired LEOs in Florida so getting your permit renewed (HR218) is easy. If you have any questions, PM me and I will pass it on to DH.
  • arhayes's avatar
    arhayes
    Explorer
    Dec 30, 2016
    I'd definitely get professional advice since the pension provider is in control. For example we have friends who retired out is KS with state pensions. The state will not tax them as long as they remain KS residents, but if they change their residency to another state, KS WILL charge state income tax on their pension. The paying state is in control of whether you pay tax on the money they pay you. We Texans don't worry about that stuff.....??
  • Sgt472's avatar
    Sgt472
    Explorer
    Dec 30, 2016
    Don I am a retired LEO from mi and have Mers retirement. (6yrs) the first two years I enjoyed no state tax and than Snyder stepped up??And decided to tax my pension. I have also looked into FL because of the no income tax on pensions. Although you still have to pay federal tax on mers as well as SS, which I am going to start in aug. not sure about health insurance because my dept provides Blue Cross. You can call Mers directly and they can advise you.
  • dewey02's avatar
    dewey02
    Explorer II
    Dec 30, 2016
    This is actually pretty easy to determine. Just use google to search.
    There are several states that do not charge tax on retirement income (including Social Security payments) and a few that don't charge any income tax at all.

    But that ONLY relates to state income tax. You still will have to pay income tax on all of this to the federal government. Can't get away from that.

    But I think gbopp has the best advice. Talk with someone at your Fraternal Order of Police. I'm willing to bet they have a lot of information already available for you.

    And thanks for your service.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Dec 30, 2016
    Did you check with your local FOP organizations?

    They may have the advice you are seeking, or can advise you who you can contact.

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