Registration of an RV

[Slumber Gal]

I am new to this forum and need a little advise. We are in the process of purchasing a Class A. We live in North Carolina right now but are buying it from Alabama and will be living in it in Louisiana for at least a year. My husbands job has us there. We will be keeping our home. My folks live there with us and they are not interested in traveling so will keep the house lived in for us.
I have heard from others that they register their motor home in other states where there is no sales tax or personal property taxes. Is this legal and how does one go about this? I sure don't want to break the law first thing.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[bsirby]

Hi and welcome to the forum. Afraid I can't answer your question. Just wanted to say hello from a fellow North Carolinian. We are from the Raleigh area and use our daughters address for all our registrations.

[Francesca]

Hi, Slumber Gal

Most states require folks designated as legal residents to register their motor vehicles there...
Things can get a little sticky around "resident" designation.
I think there are people that live in one place and register vehicles in another, but it takes organization and, in my opinion, nerves of steel!
I've heard of folks using "pretend maiboxes"...

I'm much too paranoid about getting caught to mess with the tax man- penalties can be severe!
In my state, if you get caught, you're assessed the original tax PLUS substantial cash "punishment".
Something else to consider is how such an action may affect the rest of your affairs.
Auto insurance rates, for example, are definitely affected by where your rig is registered.
And there may be Voter Registration ramifications, etc...

Just my take- I'm sure you'll get lots of other opinions!

Good luck!

Francesca

[Midniteoyl]

Either place that gives the best tax situation.. just make sure Louisiana doesnt have a '9 month' residency rule (if your in state for 9 months or more, you are automatically a resident and all taxes apply)

[Roger D]

Alabama has HIGH taxes

[Senior Chief]

You license your vehicles and pay vehicle sales tax in the state in which you have established residency. Legally, you cannot just pick a cheap state and title your vehicles there.

What establishes residency? In TX & SD, states friendly to full-time RVers and also tax-friendly, an address through a mailing service and applying for drivers licenses will suffice, if you have the INTENT to be a TX or SD resident.

Owning property does NOT convey residence, necessarily, so while you may still own a house in NC, if you have gotten LA driver's licenses, registered to vote and have a job in LA, Louisiana is going to consider you residents for tax purposes.

However, if you STILL live in NC when you buy the coach, no matter where you plan to live in the future, you will have the previous owner sign off on the title, bring it home to NC and title it and pay your taxes there. You don't have to pay the tax to Alabama, AFAIK