This checklist is designed to be printed, saved, or shared with your CPA. Each item corresponds to a factor that the California Franchise Tax Board evaluates during a residency determination. Completing every item and keeping documentation creates a clear, defensible record of your intent to establish Texas as your domicile.
Work through this list as early as possible in your move. The sooner you complete these steps, the stronger your position.
Phase 1: Before You Move (While Still in California)
These steps can be started before your physical move. Getting ahead of the transition strengthens your position.
Notify Your CPA and Tax Advisor
Inform your CPA of your planned move date. Discuss which tax year you will file as a California resident, which as a nonresident, and how to time any property sales. This is the single most important step — do it first.
Research Texas Schools and Service Areas
If you have children, identify your target school district. This affects your home purchase location and timeline. School district transfers and enrollment processes vary by district.
Plan Your Texas Home Purchase or Lease
You need a physical Texas address to establish residency. Whether you are buying or renting, secure your Texas residence before or shortly after your move. Temporary or "staying with friends" arrangements create residency vulnerability.
Phase 2: First 30 Days After Arriving in Texas
These are the high-priority items to complete within your first month in Texas. Each one sends a clear signal to the FTB that you have established domicile.
Obtain a Texas Driver's License or ID Card
Visit your nearest Texas DPS office with your required documents (proof of identity, Social Security card, proof of Texas residency). Keep your appointment confirmation and the license you receive. This is one of the most heavily weighted factors in FTB residency audits.
Register to Vote in Texas
Register at your Texas address through the Texas Secretary of State website or your county voter registrar. Cancel your California voter registration. Voter registration is a public declaration of domicile.
Open Texas Bank Accounts
Open checking and savings accounts at a Texas-based bank or credit union. Set up direct deposit to your new Texas account. Close or reduce your California accounts to non-primary status. Keep your account opening confirmation and first statements.
File a Change of Address with the IRS
Submit IRS Form 8822 (Change of Address) or update your address when you file your next federal return. Also update your address with the Social Security Administration. Keep copies of the submitted forms.
Phase 3: First 60 Days in Texas
Register Your Vehicle(s) in Texas
Texas requires vehicle registration within 30 days of establishing residency. Visit your county tax assessor-collector's office. You will need your out-of-state title, proof of Texas insurance, and a vehicle inspection. Keep your registration documents and inspection receipt.
File a Texas Homestead Exemption (If You Purchased a Home)
File with your county appraisal district. In Kendall County, that is the Kendall County Appraisal District (KCAD). In Bexar County, the Bexar County Appraisal District (BCAD). The homestead exemption reduces your taxable value by $140,000 for school district taxes. Keep your filed application and approval confirmation.
Update Your Address on All Financial Accounts
Update your address with your investment accounts, retirement accounts, insurance policies, credit cards, and any other financial institutions. Ensure all statements show your Texas address. Keep a screenshot or confirmation of the address change.
Update Your Address with Your Employer
Ensure your W-2 reflects your Texas address. If you work remotely for a California employer, confirm that your employer does not continue withholding California state income tax. Texas has no state income tax, and as a nonresident, you should not have California withholding on non-California income.
Phase 4: First 90 Days in Texas
Establish Local Ties and Community Involvement
Join a gym, a church, a professional organization, or a community group. Get a library card. These connections create a pattern of community integration that supports your residency claim. Keep membership confirmations and receipts.
Select a Local Healthcare Provider
Establish care with a primary care physician, dentist, and any specialists in your Texas area. Transfer your medical records from your California providers. Update your health insurance to reflect your Texas address.
Notify Your CPA of Completed Steps
Send your CPA a summary of what you have completed, with dates and copies of key documents. They will use this information when preparing your California nonresident return and defending your residency status if audited.
Phase 5: Ongoing — Maintain Your Texas Residency
Keep a Physical Presence Log
Maintain a simple spreadsheet documenting the dates you are in Texas versus any other state. Include the purpose of any California visits. This log is your strongest defense if the FTB questions your physical presence. Aim for fewer than 45 days per year in California.
File California Returns on Time
If you have any California-source income (property sale, rental income, California-source investment income), file a California nonresident return (Form 540NR) by the April deadline. Filing starts the 4-year statute of limitations. Not filing leaves you exposed indefinitely.
Retain Records for at Least 4 Years
Keep all residency-related documents — license copies, voter registration, bank statements, property records, tax returns, travel logs — for at least 4 years after filing your last California return. If the FTB extends the audit window, your CPA will advise on retention.
Renew Texas Documents on Time
Keep your Texas driver's license current. Renew your vehicle registration on time. Maintain your voter registration. These renewals demonstrate ongoing commitment to Texas as your domicile.