We do not have an individual income tax, we do not impose an estate or inheritance tax, and we provide extremely generous protection to individuals from creditor claims.<\/p>\n
To share in this good fortune, you just have to be domiciled within our state.\u00a0 \u201cDomicile\u201d is a legal term.\u00a0 \u00a0It means that you have a true fixed and permanent home and principal establishment in Texas.\u00a0 Whenever you are absent from your Texas home, you must have the intention of returning to it.<\/p>\n
Whether you meet the legal definition of domicile depends upon your actions.<\/p>\n
You have to take steps to show that your intent is to be domiciled in Texas.\u00a0 It is not enough to merely move here;\u00a0 your actions must show that you have the professed desire to remain here.\u00a0 \u00a0This is critical if you own real property, such as a vacation home or a previous residence, in another state.<\/p>\n
Obtain a Texas driver\u2019s license or identification card.\u00a0 File your federal income tax return using your Texas address.\u00a0 Acquire Texas license plates for your car. Register to vote in Texas.<\/p>\n
Register your boat, motorcycle or other toy in Texas. Change your primary care physician to one in Texas.\u00a0 Notify your employer (if you have one) that your primary address is in Texas.\u00a0 If you are a member of a professional society, alumni association, or other organization, go online and change your home address and contact information to your Texas address.<\/p>\n
Become involved in a local branch of a charity or join a service organization such as Rotary, Kiwanis or the Lions Club.\u00a0 \u00a0Attend a neighborhood church or synagogue and, if it is part of the protocol, formally move your letters or membership.<\/p>\n
Was your business incorporated in another state? Consider registering it in Texas as a foreign corporation or merging it with a Texas business.<\/p>\n
If you are a trustee, read the Trust document and consider changing the place of administration and applicable law to Texas.<\/p>\n
If you buy a home here, either put it in your name or in the name of an entity that is formed, formally doing business in or registered in Texas.\u00a0 Open utilities in your name and list your Texas address for billing.<\/p>\n
Change the billing address on your credit cards to your Texas address.\u00a0\u00a0 Keep a calendar of the days you spend in Texas;\u00a0 your goal is to spend at least 183 days here every calendar year.<\/p>\n
Do this and you have a pretty good argument that you reside in Texas and that you intend to continue residing here.\u00a0 Note, however, that this may not be enough to convince the IRS and other states.\u00a0 They may consider that you are a part-time resident in multiple states, and try to tax you accordingly.<\/p>\n