Tips for Moving to a New State

Helpful resources for people moving to a new state
It's not that a local move isn't a big deal…it can be. But moving to a new state, that's a big deal.  There's so much more to handle. So much more that you'll need to remember to do to establish residency. The good news is that it doesn't have to be difficult. Thanks to all of the online resources available, it's easier than ever to become a resident of a new state. Here are a few resources to help get you started.

How to figure out tax implications of moving to a new state during the tax year
Unless you're moving to (or living in) one of the nine states where residents don't pay personal income taxes— Washington, Nevada, South Dakota, Wyoming, Texas, Tennessee, Florida, Vermont and Alaska— you'll likely need to pay taxes in two states. You'll pay to one state as a resident, the other as a nonresident. This article gives helpful information about how to file a nonresident state tax return: http://turbotax.intuit.com/support/iq/TurboTax/How-do-I-File-a-Nonresident-State-Tax-Return-/GEN12109.html

What moving expenses are tax deductible?
If you're moving to a new state for job relocation purposes, many of your moving expenses may be tax deductible. This IRS article provides helpful information: www.irs.gov/publications/p521/ar02.html.

How to register to vote
Registering to vote is one way to establish residency in your new state.  This site is helpful for finding voter registration requirements in your new state: www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Voting/Register.shtml.

How to register your vehicle and get a driver's license in a new state
Registering your vehicle and changing your driver's license in your new state is another way to establish residency. Although each state has its own vehicle registration and driver's licensing requirements, most require that you take action within 30 days of moving. To find information on registering a vehicle in your state, simply search "(your new state) DMV".  

How to choose the right school
For most parents, this is one of the biggest worries that comes with moving to a new state— especially if you don't already have friends and family in the area to give suggestions.  I recommend getting suggestions from your HR department and from your new co-workers. Then, you can visit sites like www.greatschools.org that are designed to help find the best schools for your child's needs.

How to find child care in a new state
Similar to finding a great school, finding a trusted care-giver for non-school aged children can be a concern. Use resources like www.greatschools.com and www.care.com to help start your search.

How to find a doctor in your new state
If you don't have friends and family who can refer you to a doctor with the type of bedside manner you prefer, use resources like www.healthgrades.com or www.ratemds.com – both are sites that grade and review physicians.

How to set up utilities in your new state
If you were moving within the same town, you could probably just transfer your utilities, but since you're moving to a new state, it's probably more involved than simply transferring the service. Many utility companies are local or regional and don't cross state lines. It's smart to check with your current provider first. If they don't provide service in your new location, you can normally check with your new city's website to see who the available providers are and call each one individually. Or you can use services like www.allconnect.com, www.connectutilities.com or www.whitefence.com – for a fee, they'll take care of connecting all of your utilities. 

We hope you find this information helpful! If you need more information about moving to a new state, including how to move affordably, call to speak with a MoveBuilder representative and get a moving estimate— we'll gladly help! 800-968-1276