Community Forums

wideglide2k · 12-10-2011, 10:24 AM

Hi guys. I am a newby and am preparing to go full timing. I currently live in the peoples socialist republic of california. My question is this. Is there a publication that defines what states it is best to change residence to so as to reduce dmv fees, taxes and insurance.

Clay L · 12-10-2011, 12:04 PM

I don't know of one but TX, SD, and FL seem to be the most popular.

We chose SD and use Alternative Resources as our mail forwarding service. They offer other services besides mail forwarding and have some good info on SD on their web site. See them HERE.

There is also some good info on what is involved in establishing a new domicile HERE

Kayjulia · 12-10-2011, 03:05 PM

I use Americas Mail Box Box Elder SD very helpful and they can explain how to become an SD resident very easy. And no you don't have to live there all the time just return every five years for a renewal of your driver's lic.

RustyJC · 12-10-2011, 03:08 PM

To check out Texas, you might start with the Escapees website - they're based in Livingston, TX.

Rusty

jzick · 12-10-2011, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wideglide2k

Hi guys. I am a newby and am preparing to go full timing. I currently live in the peoples socialist republic of california. My question is this. Is there a publication that defines what states it is best to change residence to so as to reduce dmv fees, taxes and insurance.

Not complete but here is a start Kiplinger.com

dons2346 · 12-10-2011, 10:46 PM

Better not just worry about DMV, taxes and insurance. You better take a hard look at health insurance.

R1Kirby · 12-11-2011, 06:20 AM

We use Alternative Resources in South Dakota and are extreamly happy with their services. We've been with them over four years now....

Roam America · 12-11-2011, 11:24 AM

We chose S.D. too. We were going to use Escapees in Texas but then found out we would need to take a road test to get our drivers license as well as vehicle inspection anytime we came to Texas. In S.D. all we needed to do was take an eye test for our license. There is no vehicle inspection in S.D. S.D has a 3% Excise tax on RV's and vehicles and no state income tax. When we registered our vehicle's we needed to show tht we paid at least 3% excise or sales tax. We provided our sales order.

You need to make sure your Health and Dental Insurance provide coverage nation wide. You also need to investigate any laws involving leaving your State. For example: In N.J. (where we lived) when you sell your house and do purchase another in NJ, you pay a 2% (of sale price, not profit) Real Estate Transfer Fee on top of the normal 1% Real Estate Transfer Fee for any real estate transaction. In N.J. this additional fee has become known as the N.J. Exit Fee.

There are a few different mail forwarding services in S.D. so it is basically personal choice. We picked Alternative Resources an have never had an issue with them. They are extremely helpful in getting your vehicles registered and ever renewals (albeit I do mine online). You have to go back every 5 years to renew your license in person. As far as registering to vote, you need a real physical address, not the PMB. The county clerk called me because I used my PMB. I told them the only physical address I ever had was the campground when we got our licenses. She said, that work's; what's that address and I am registered. I on't care about their local city or state elections. I just want to vote in Presidential elections. I asked her about Jury Duty. She said if you ever get called just write FULL TIME RV'er on the form and send it back and our name will be removed from the jury duty list.

WheelingIt · 12-11-2011, 01:46 PM

Another SD convert here. We too use Alternative Resources and have been very happy with them. We chose SD based on:

- no state income tax
- no special license or inspections needed for our class A (which TX does require)
- low car registration and insurance rates
- low health care rates (we got ours thro ehealthinsurance.com -> great spot to compare rates nationwide)

The three most popular no tax states are SD, TX and FL. My advise is check out all 3 and compare registration, insurance and license requirements in each spot. Then make your decision from there.

Gary RVRoamer · 12-11-2011, 03:48 PM

Individual situations differ so widely that there cannot be one answer for all. Or even 2 or 3 "best places". The three mentioned are suitable for many people, but you need to consider your own situation. Some of the major considerations will be:
1.Will you still own property in any state?
2.Where do you want to have your vehicles titled and registered and vehicle insurance availability/cost in that state
3.Income and personal property taxes that may apply to your specific situation
4.Health insurance availability and cost
5.Will you be spending substantial time in any one state? Enough for that state to declare you a resident whether you want it or not?
6.Will you be working in any one state and for how long?
7.Do you own a business in any state and derive revenue form it
8.Where do you want to maintain a mailing address?
9.Driver license requirements in the selected state

The answers to these questions may well push you towards one choice or another, including some state other than the top three.