Moving On…Key Considerations for Individuals Considering a Change in Residence - Trust Point

Moving On…Key Considerations for Individuals Considering a Change in Residence

Warmer weather, lower costs of living and the ability to enjoy outdoor activities are all strong considerations making migration south attractive for many retirees. Purchasing a new residence to escape the winter weather becomes even more enticing when it also provides attractive income and estate tax benefits. However, if you are considering a change of domicile to ease your tax burden, be mindful that your former state may not let you go without a fight.

With significant differences in the application of income, inheritance and estate taxes across states, the determination of domicile has become a significant financial consideration for many individuals. As more and more Baby Boomers enter retirement, the exodus from high-cost jurisdictions is increasing, particularly following the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Like New Jersey where 68.5 percent of moves were outbound in 2019, which was higher than any other state, and marked their second consecutive year with more outbound moves than inbound.1 These states topped the list of jurisdictions with dwindling populations and dwindling tax revenues. It is no surprise that states are directing increased resources to investigate whether their residents are truly leaving the state or just trying to escape higher taxes.

Chart of tax data for least-tax friendly states Chart of taxes for tax-friendly states

Residency or Domicile? There is a Distinction

Residency can be established by physical presence in a particular jurisdiction while domicile is physical presence coupled with intent to make it your permanent home. An individual may have more than one residency, but only one domicile. Spending significant time in a state does not establish domicile, you must also prove that you intend to make it your true permanent home. The best indicator of your intention is reflected by your actions and where you handle your affairs. If you sell your home and do not return to your old domicile, your intent is clear. However, for most individuals, an abrupt severing of ties is not always possible. If you maintain a home, regularly visit or maintain business and family connections in your old domicile, proving your intent to change domicile may rely more on subjective factors and the burden of proving your intent to change domicile in an audit situation is on you, the taxpayer.

Subjective Factors

There are many subjective factors which may be considered in establishing or disproving intent during a state tax audit. Each is considered independently and weighed against the totality of circumstances. If you maintain a residence in the prior domicile, is it more significant in size or associated expenditures? A new home which is less significant, coupled with maintaining your personal effects (personal items, art and pets) at the original home, may make it more difficult to prove the new location is your intended permanent domicile. Leasing your prior home or disconnecting the utilities during the ‘off-season’ may support your domicile claim.

  • Where are your medical and financial as well as sentimental records stored?
  • Where are your doctors and advisors located?
  • Are you more active socially in the new state with boards and club memberships?
  • Have you severed ties or changed membership status with organizations in your prior domicile?
  • Do you celebrate holidays in the old or the new state?

While an examination of these factors may seem intrusive, they can be helpful in articulating intent.

Records are Essential

Tracking and documenting time in and out of your prior domicile is important, but not foolproof. Many states including New York, New Jersey and Connecticut consider 183 days the minimum amount of days absent for non-resident status. And all days in the jurisdiction count, regardless of purpose – even family holidays, celebrations and dinner gatherings with friends. Keeping a diary or calendar of all touchpoints with your current and former domicile is important, particularly in the first couple of years. Credit card activity, e-z pass use, cell phone records and plane tickets are all accessible during an audit.

While objective factors may not be as helpful in proving your intent, failure to follow through with the basic residency requirements can derail your domicile claim. Once physical presence is established, it is important to file a Declaration of Domicile in the new state (if applicable), file for Homestead status (if applicable), register to vote, obtain a driver license and register any vehicles/boats to be used in that state, just to name a few. Prior tax filings and exemptions can cause problems if you fail to change state filing status to non-resident or fail to deactivate resident benefits (such as Homestead election) in your prior state. These administrative details can play an important role in supporting your domicile claim.  

Contemplating a move and want to discuss how your finances could be impacted? We can help! Get in touch by calling us at 800-658-9474 or fill out our brief contact us form.

1 Annual 2019 United Van Lines National Movers Study
2 Kiplinger State-By-State Guide to Taxes:  www.kiplinger.com/tool/taxes/T055-S001-kiplinger-tax-map/index.php

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