Declaring Domicile: What Does It Mean?

We recently completed the process of declaring Tennessee our domicile state.

No, this does not mean we gave up the RV dream and bought a house.

But it does mean we established roots in the community. Even the most spontaneous nomads have to declare domicile for tax and voting purposes.

Domicile Requirements

Many full-time RVers declare domicile in either Florida, Texas, or South Dakota primarily because these locations do not have a state income tax - a desirable benefit for retirees on a fixed income. 

But there are other factors to consider when declaring domicile.

First, how often do you plan to visit the area? States like Texas require you to register car tags in person. If you don't plan to visit at least once a year, this would not be a viable option.

Mail is another consideration. While mail delivery services exist - they collect your mail and then send to an address you specify at your request - an address is essential to prove domicile. 

Drivers' Licenses and car registrations require a domicile. And in order to prove domicile you must bring two pieces of mail showing the county address and either a lease or mortgage document.

Voter registration requires proof of domicile. And we have no intention of shirking our civic duty.

In addition to these official documents, the government also wants to see proof of living in the community.  This might include local doctors, family lawyers, or church membership. This helps establish domicile rather than declaring a location strictly for financial benefits.

Why Tennessee?

Tennessee is one of eight states that does not have a state income tax. The state sales tax, however, is one of the highest in the nation (particularly in the Nashville area ). This explains why it is not listed as one of the top three domicile states.

But saving tax dollars was not our primary consideration.

First, we have family here. Two of our three children live in the area and two of our three grandchildren live here. We already visit Tennessee several times a year, and we do not see that routine changing anytime soon.

In addition, we are on the lease for my daughter's apartment. We are co-renters because this was, in essence, our second home when we came to visit. The two-bedroom apartment was plenty big for those occasions when we stayed a couple of weeks. 

Utility bills are sent to this address in both our names -- sufficient proof of address for the DMV.

Geoff's heart attack required that he establish a relationship with a heart surgeon, cardiologist, and family practice doctor. While we did not anticipate taking part in this kind of community involvement, it most definitely helped us establish roots.

Our car tags were due in November. My driver's license expires next month. We either had to return to Kansas to take care of business or take the leap in declaring TN our new home. We chose the latter with no hesitation.

Quite frankly, I think we were destined to live here. We love being involved in our grandsons' lives. We enjoy spontaneous dinners with family. And I have the opportunity to develop a relationship with my brother and sister-in-law. This is the first time we have lived in close proximity since I graduated college.

Nashville is not only the music capitol of the world, but it is offers a rich literary culture. My community involvement centers around Parnassus Books, the Nashville Public Library, McKays used book store, and (possibly) The Porch (a writer's group).

And finally, recent genealogy research revealed four generations of Colemans (my father's side) resided in Rutherford County, TN from the early 1800s to 1890. I have returned home 💙