Moving to Another State

<< Previous Post | Main Blog Page | Next Post >>

When we did the original questions and answers, we were asked questions along the lines of where we'll get our mail, what state we'd live in, and things like that. The beauty with full-time RVing is that you can make it whatever you want to be. Here's what we ended up doing, and as always this isn't legal advice, so do your own research.

The first thing is to choose a place to "live". You'll have a domicile that serves as your "on paper" address in case any legal things come up. There are a few things that you'll want to take into account. Income taxes is a big one, and you'll more than likely want to pick a place without a state income tax. Obviously where you workamp may mean you'll have to file in that state, but cross that bridge when you get there. Auto and RV registration and insurance are also a big thing. Some states won't insure a full-time RVer, so be ready for that. If you have, or plan to have, children with you, then the homeschooling requirements need to be considered, assuming you aren't sending them to some form of boarding school. Health coverage is also something to keep in mind, and as much as there are national plans available, they don't do business in every state. You may also be able to use where you are working to your advantage.

So you've finally figured out your plan, and it's time to head to that state and make it happen. Driver's license switch over is usually your best "date of record" for changing residency, as the state ID is usually a top indicator of where your domicile is. Make sure to do some research, and set up appointment times to get the paperwork done. Look ahead to make sure you have all the necessary forms and proofs. Then comes vehicle registrations. Remember it may be county based instead of state based. Be sure you kept receipts when you purchased the vehicle and RV. Whether you choose to register and insure in that state or another, that's up to you, but as always, make sure you can do it, it's the right price, and whether you want to deal with hassles of state inspections; some states require them, while others do not. Be sure to also establish some local credit union accounts, primary doctors, pet licenses if you have a fur baby, voter registrations, and so on.

As with any sort of move, there are always some downsides. First is that a number of regulatory agencies seem to insist that every person must have a base physical residential address. How strictly this is followed depends on who you work with and what you're doing, but don't be thrown for a loop if you're all of a sudden denied a product or service because the address on your driver's license is a private mailbox, or it happens to be "a business". Even getting a mailbox requires a "physical address", but they are more respondent to living in your RV; just work with your mail service. Secondly, separate yourself as much as you can from your old location. There was a story about a couple who went full-time RVing, moved from one state to another, established the aforementioned, never returned for several years, but the old state seemed to believe the couple never left because they weren't stationary in their new state, and then hit the couple for large amounts of back taxes, upheld by the courts. Finally, at least in terms of federal taxes, any workamping you do is going to be as an independent contractor, so get familiar with schedules C and SE, and be ready to pay social security and medicare taxes, which are in addition to the income tax minus standard deduction. You may also have to do estimated tax payments, so try to plan ahead, and figure out where you're going to be.

You end up going through a lot to Follow your Internal Compass, but once you get everything established, you're ready to see this beautiful country.


WRITTEN Apr 17, 2022 at 11:26 AM
TAGS: rv living, qna
SHARE:
<< Previous Post | Main Blog Page | Next Post >>

Copyright 2021-24 Freedom Rolling.
Logo Image Courtesy Clipartmax.com
United States Image Courtesy Simple Maps