Downsides to Texas Residency?

[TurtleBack]

We are evaluating a move from Oregon to Texas - Escapees - for our residency. (Income taxes being the primary consideration.) In the process we have discovered that insurance costs are approximately 20% higher in total for coach/car/umbrella. Are there any other surprises that we might not be aware of?

We get our coach in 25 days. Hope to see all of you folks on the road! Maybe then I'll develop an official signature like you experienced pros.

Many Thanks,
Turtleback

One thing I should add. I know we can register by mail and have the plates sent to us by Escapees. However, is there any issue with still having a different state drivers license until we actually get to Texas which may be 6-8 momths? (Other than any hassle that other state law enforcement might bestow on us if stopped.)

[TurtleBack]

We are evaluating a move from Oregon to Texas - Escapees - for our residency. (Income taxes being the primary consideration.) In the process we have discovered that insurance costs are approximately 20% higher in total for coach/car/umbrella. Are there any other surprises that we might not be aware of?

We get our coach in 25 days. Hope to see all of you folks on the road! Maybe then I'll develop an official signature like you experienced pros.

Many Thanks,
Turtleback

One thing I should add. I know we can register by mail and have the plates sent to us by Escapees. However, is there any issue with still having a different state drivers license until we actually get to Texas which may be 6-8 momths? (Other than any hassle that other state law enforcement might bestow on us if stopped.)

[RustyJC]

Turtleback,

Since you refer to Escapees, I'm assuming that you're looking at using Texas residency for full-timing. There have been a number of discussions regarding the best states for residency for full-timers down in the Full-Timing forum. I'll link your question down there where I'm sure you'll get some informed responses.

Rusty

[Route 66]

Three other "surprises" that I'm aware of.

You may need a higher class of drivers license depending on the weight of your coach.

You are required to have annual vehicle inspections.

Sales tax is 6% including new vehicles.

Have you considered South Dakota?

No special drivers license needed.

No vehicle inspections.

3% tax on new vehicles.

No income tax.

[LindaH]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Route 66:
You may need a higher class of drivers license depending on the weight of your coach. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
If your motorhome has a GVWR of 26,001# or more and you pull a vehicle/trailer that weighs less than 10,000#, you'll need a Class B driver's license. It's a simple written and driving test, nothing to be concerned about.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">You are required to have annual vehicle inspections. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
While Texas does have annual vehicle inspections, you are not required to return to Texas every single year just to have your vehicle(s) inspected. As long as you're out of the state, you don't need to worry about it; however, once you do return to Texas, you'll need to get the inspection done ASAP.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Sales tax is 6% including new vehicles. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
6.25%

[AFChap]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Are there any other surprises </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
You need to check out your health insurance. For us, there was no difference when we became TX residents. For some folks, there is a difference which depending on state of residency.

[Ken Roberts]

We too looked at TX when we were approaching retirement. Ultimately, we settled on TN where we have a home. Reasons: no income tax; low vehicle registrations, i.e. our car = $24 per year as does our 40' DSDP; no vehicle inspections, reasonable vehicle insurance; low utilities as we have TVA; low propery taxes, i.e. we have 2100 SF home, central A/C, with 3BR, 2 and 1/2 baths, attached 2 car garage, front porch, rear deck, 20' X 50' RV garage, just shy of 3 acres and our annual property tax bill is under b $650. Sales tax is by county and ours elects to take max. @ 9.75% , new vehicles are topped at 7%.

Since we have been wintering in AZ since mid Oct. the sales tax is pretty much a non-issue for us. Ken....

[TurtleBack]

Well Ken, Tennesee might sound good at first but sales tax is an issue. When registering from out of state there is a 7% tax plus whatever the county charges. No small matter with a $300k plus rig.

TurtleBack

[paz]

Tennessee is also a problem for full-timers who don't own a home there as far as registering to vote. Tennessee has just purged a number of full-timers from the voter registration rolls because they were using a mail forwarding service and didn't have a permanent address. Even though homeless persons without a permanent address are allowed to vote, apparently RVers aren't.

South Dakota doesn't recognize a mail forwarding service for voter registration either, but (at least for now) they will accept a temporary address such as a campground. Texas has also tried to purge full-timers from voter registration, but the Escapees organization has fought for and won the right to have their address accepted.

[Ken Roberts]

Turtleback, yes, sales tax can be an issue. However, 7% is the max throughout the state on new vehicles. If coming in from out of state and you have owned the rig for 6 months or more there is no sales tax involved. Overall in the last 7 years that we have been TN residents we feel that we have gotten the most bang for the buck. We are not full timers. Ken....

[Barbaraok]

I would get the MH registered in Oregon. If you have been registered in another state for more than 6 months, then it is a $90 new resident fee when you 'move' to Texas.

If your motorhome is over 26,000 then you'll need a Class B license. If the MH is over 26,000 and you pull a trailer GREATER than 10,000 lbs then you need a Class A license. Same test for both. If you can't pass the written and driving test, you really shouldn't be driving a big rig.

Did you get an insurance quote for POLK county. Also, do you need health insurance - make sure that what every insurance you have can be used if your residence is in another state.

As some one already mentioned, you do not have to get an inspection each year if you are not in the state. And the inspection ($14.50) is really just a check of the safety systems (lights, brakes, horn, etc.) and something that no RVer should be afraid of having done.

Ken, while it is great that Tenn works for you - you are not fulltiming. I don't think that state works particularly well for fulltimers.

Barb