State of residency

[airgreg]

I entered the Navy as a California resident, but I think I'd like to change my residency to Florida or Texas for tax, voting, and auto registration purposes.

I'm not talking about the Navy "home of record", but actual state residency.

What steps do I need to take to change my state of residency? And do I need to tell the Navy/PSD somehow? Any other issues about changing my state of residency? Pros & Cons, costs of either state?
Thanks,
-Greg

 

[bch]

If you are doing it for tax reasons, there is no reason to go through the hasle. I left mine as a california resident... paid taxes all throughout the year and then got every penny of my state taxes back, as I had not lived there all year.

 

[airgreg]

Like I said in my original post, I'm considering it for TAX, VOTING, and AUTO REGISTRATION reasons.
My car registration is due in 2 months and I'd rather not pay the huge CA registration fees if I don't have to. Also, my vote will probably be more effective outside the People's Republic of CA. Furthermore, if you're a CA resident, you'll still have to file a tax return with CA and I'd rather avoid the paperwork. Lastly, if you ever get PCS'd back to CA, you will become a tax paying resident again. For instance, if you get sent to a helo squadron in San Diego, that's considered CA income and you'll be paying CA taxes if you're an official CA resident. I'd like to avoid that if possible and if the consequences aren't too bad.

So does anyone know the answers to the original post? Thanks,
-Greg

 

[The Chief]

As stated prior, make sure that you know the issues involved. Some states give tax rebates, in days of old, some states gave military personnel a bonus. So check it out. On example of things to watch out for: If you re-register your car in FL, they will charge you sales tax even though you paid sales tax in CA. In short, know what you are doing and why.

After you decide, you must go to your PSD (or equiv) where you declare your state of residency. If you are living in that state and have an address, it is usually straight forward. If after you change from CA to another state, even if you PCS back to CA, you do not have to become a CA resident, unless you want to.

 

[bluesmobile]

Another thing you may want to consider is which state you want to declare residency. If you're an SNA, you have a decent chance of ending up in TX at some point, so look into them as well. Also see what MS, OK, and GA would be like in case you're pipeline goes through one of those states.

My situation was a no-brainer...Illinois doesn't charge state tax for military and has one of the lowest car registration fees in the nation. Plus I get to avoid the IL gas tax living down here, so its the best of both worlds...

 

[snizo]

Yes yes ... but you are all missing more important factors.

Being a FL resident gaurantees you notariety. Where else can you be part of a state that is known INTERNATIONALLY for the superior voting and driving skills of its residents.

I think FL does have one of the larges military voter populations, though. Thats why it is always so much 'fun' to see what happens when FL votes - you have to wait for the thousands of absentee ballots sent from overseas that need to be counted nine or ten times.

 

[Fly Navy]

Go to the local tax collector. Register your car, get your driver's license, and register to vote. Tell them you want to become a resident. Then go to PSD and change your home of legal residence. It's a simple form that you sign. That's all there is to it.

 

[airgreg]

Thanks everyone, appreciate the help. Any tradeoffs for Texas vs. Florida vs. California? $$ issues? Active duty benefits?