Tax Planning

The Tax Considerations You Need to Account For When Moving to Florida

by
Sonu Shukla
on
5/30/2022
The Tax Considerations You Need to Account For When Moving to Florida

Relocating to Florida is a decision that brings with it a wide array of different benefits for many people. For starters, South Florida in particular is home to the types of attractions and other points of interest that people literally come from all over the world to see. Likewise, it has a climate that is preferred by many – especially if you’re going to be coming from the Midwest.

But at the same time, there are a number of important financial considerations that one will need to make, all relating back to the same basic idea: taxes.

In the past, Florida was typically seen by most as “that place that you go after you retire.” But these days, many individual taxpayers are choosing to go during the years of their career when they’re earning the most money. This is true for a wide range of different reasons, all of which are more than worth exploring.

The Situation with Taxes in Florida: Your Overview

For starters, one of the major tax advantages of moving to Florida comes by way of the fact that there are no actual state or local income taxes that you will have to pay. Not only that, but none are on the horizon, either. Even if the state government wanted to put them into effect, they would have to amend the state constitution in order to do so – something that is very unlikely to happen, at least in the near future.

Another one of the major benefits of relocating to Florida has to do with the lack of a state estate tax. This is a point of contention in many other states with high estate taxes, as it directly impacts the amount of money someone will be able to leave to their family members as an inheritance after they die.

Lower property taxes in the Florida area are also quite attractive to many people, particularly if they’re going to be coming from a northern state with a much higher tax rate.

According to one recent study, all of this can result in significant tax savings almost immediately – including by the end of your first year as a resident. If you were moving from California, for example, you could stand to save as much as $224,000 in taxes. If you were moving from New York, that number is still quite high at an estimated $202,000. New Jersey residents stand poised to save as much as $167,000, while Connecticut transplants could save up to $130,500.

Again, these numbers are estimates that are based on a variety of factors and are also calculated using current tax rates. Still, the opportunity to save this much money in such a short period of time – to say nothing of how much you stand to save if you remain in Florida for years – is certainly enticing for many.

However, there are a few important things you need to know to be able to take full advantage of these incentives. For starters, once your move is complete, you need to establish Florida as your “domicile” – otherwise known as your permanent residence. The specific reasons why you’re moving to begin with will dictate how easy or difficult this is to accomplish.

That’s not to say that if you’re coming from New Jersey you suddenly need to sell that home when you pack up and move. You’re more than allowed to own more than one property, but you can only have one domicile for tax purposes.

Depending on the situation, assessors will likely examine factors like the size of your home and what it is being used for (to make sure it isn’t secretly a vacation home), where you’re spending the majority of your time throughout the year, and more. They may also ask about any personal connections that you have in the area such as friends, family members, and other loved ones.

So while establishing Florida as your primary residence won’t necessarily be the easiest task you’ve ever completed, once you consider how much money you stand to save it becomes clear that the effort is more than worth it to most people.  Speaking to a tax professional is always advisable if you have questions regarding the tax implications of any move or relocation.

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Sonu Shukla

Sonu Shukla

Sonu Shukla is a CPA, accountant, and tax preparer based in Orlando, FL. Sonu Shukla can assist you with your tax preparation and planning needs. Sonu is more than just another accountant in Orlando, Florida; he is a small business owner himself. It is a position in life that grants him the perspective and insight to emphasize with his clients, bringing them the best service possible. A Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Financial Planner, Sonu possesses the skills, education and experience to demonstrate unerring business acumen and passionately planned financial strategies. Being proactive is key for Sonu, tailoring highly efficient tax plans for his small business clients, all in a one on one environment where he and the client can bounce ideas around until every detail is worked out.

SONU SHUKLA, CPA, P.A.
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