How to change your state?
 

I'm working in Iraq now as a civilian mechanic. When I filled out the tax papers before I came here, I put my resident state as MD (Maryland). Just wondering how can I change the state status to non tax paying states like TX, FL etc? I have family in both TX, and FL.

Thank you,

Tony

Get in touch with your contractor and tell them you want to change your residence on your W-2, provide a valid address.
Don't get caught sending your kids to school or availing yourself of other government services in the state you are leaving.

There are numerous ways of establishing residency - some of the popular ones used in the military are to buy property, registering to vote, getting a drivers license, etc.... You can't just chose a state to write down on your W-2; otherwise everyone in the US would live in FL and TX!

USMCFLYR

Normally true, however if the OP is living in the ME with no real connection to a former state of residence and decides to change residence to that of family in the US, it is valid.

The only real crime in this case would be paying taxes to a state you are not living in and have no intention of returning to, lots of legal precedent for this.

It can get more complicated if the OP owns property or derives income from the state he is leaving, otherwise the intent to live in and establish residence in another state is enough. The OP should document his move with paper at the earliest opportunity.

The fact that he has family in both states will be helpful, but I would look into the rules of establishing residency for the particular state that he is considering. I am not sure if having an address is enough. I don't know - and therefore am suggesting caution - rather than get into some ramble with the IRS over state taxes. The examples I gave were legal ways of establishing residency that you and I are familiar with, and have experience with, through the military.

USMCFLYR

The important thing is that a valid move takes place with the intent of actually residing in the state of choice, if the OP continues to retain property(like registered vehicles or a dwelling) in MD this can create problems. If he has no ties to MD and shows intent to reside in another state it takes very little to do beyond an address and family. A DL, and other paper can be important, but the intent to reside is generally held as the standard and the OP should be aware of this.

Thanks for the replies everyone. The only connection with MD that I can think of is that I hold a MD driver's license. I don't own any property in MD.

It is easy, in the military or otherwise, to go down to payroll and have them switch your state. You must be able, when you are brought to court, to justify your residence in the new state. States are desperate for money, I guarantee they will test you. Make sure you have a good case.

WW