How to Snowbird
One of the best things about RVing is the ability to travel to warmer conditions. Many people travel from the Pacific Northwest to places like Arizona where the temperatures are much milder and dryer.
However, you must plan ahead before kicking back in the warm sun. You need to take into consideration important issues before leaving the state. In different states, the laws change when it comes to things like taxes, your car registration, health insurance, and don’t forget you will need to take care of your mail.
We have laid out some tips to deal with this before driving south for the winter.
When traveling mail can be hard to receive. Luckily the United States Postal Service has you covered. If you are leaving for 30 days or less you are able to “hold” your mail until you return. But if you are snowbirding you can temporarily forward your mail to wherever you will be staying. Temporary forwards are valid from 15 days up to a year. To find out more information or to schedule either service online click the link below.
Car Registration & Insurance
There are different requirements in each state for car registration and insurance. You will want to ask yourself two questions: Do you need to register your car at your winter home? Do you need to buy insurance for that state? In Florida, if you are staying for longer than 90 days you must register your car there (this includes non-consecutive days). So check your local DMV and also the DMV in the state you are traveling to make sure you are following the local laws.
Health Insurance
Just like any other type of insurance each company has their own set of rules and regulations. If you are covered by large health insurance companies then you are mostly covered when going out of state. For precaution, you should still check with your insurance company whether you are covered out of your primary state or not. Also, take care of these things before you leave:
Get a routine check-up with your primary care doctor
Find out if your provider does telehealth while away
Request refills of prescriptions for your trip
Give address of where you are staying to your regular pharmacy
If you are still employed make sure HR knows so they can adjust your health insurance
For all the questions you need and tips on health insurance use the full guide below:
How Snowbirds Handle Healthcare And Insurance: Full Guide
Taxes
Taxes...everyone's favorite! How do you deal with taxes on the snowbird go? It comes down to domicile. Domicile is the place you call your permanent home (or the time you spend at the most). Generally, living in a place for longer than 6 months or some states consider 183 days or longer to be your domicile state. You may even want to establish residency in the place where there is no income tax, like Florida, rather than states like New York or California.
Do you work in two states? You also want to ensure that you are not getting double taxed and may have to do two state tax returns. Make sure you communicate with your CPA or tax professional to assist with this.
Review some of these taxes tips below:
How Snowbirds Can Avoid a Blizzard of Tax Bills
Enjoying warmer weather in the winter is the goal of every snowbird. Make sure you take the necessary precautions before you leave. And if you ever have any questions or issues with your RV don’t hesitate to call us at (855) 478-1470.