For the past month, we’ve focused on the legal considerations for moving your business to Texas. This month our focus is on your personal checklist – legal issues that concern you personally and that require your attention this year.
But first, a quick note on immigration. Along with his kind comments on our recent move to Texas? Article, my good friend and former immigration attorney, Rick Gump, urged me to remind both management and their employees that if they move to Texas, older employees will be treated as new employees for I-9 screening purposes. He advises that it is important to clean up the company files and clean up the company’s employees by cleaning up their files as they may be subject to an I-9 audit.
After you settle into your new Texas home and while you unpack, it’s time to create your own personal checklists. You could start with these.
Your vehicle
Without going into the specific deadlines, you should know that after moving to Texas, you will:
- Annual vehicle inspections– Find a certified vehicle inspection station and bring your proof of insurance with you.
- Car insurance– Meet minimum Texas coverage requirements – $ 25,000 Property Damage and $ 60,000 Personal Injury Protection.
- Register your vehicle– Register your vehicle with the county tax officer within 30 days of moving to Texas. Don’t forget to provide proof of insurance and proof of ownership – either title or prior state registration. After your initial registration, you should be able to renew online. Expect three fees – a registration fee, a sales tax fee, and a title application fee.
- License plates– When you register your vehicle, you will receive two identical license plates, one for the front of your car and one for the back. You are good for seven years. Personalized signs are available and cost a different fee.
- Driving license– Your new driver’s license must be obtained from the local Texas Department of Public Security Office within 90 days of your move. Bring your proof of identity with you – a passport, unexpired military ID, or U.S. citizenship ID.
Voter registration
You should register to vote at VoteTexas.gov and complete the registration at least 30 days before an upcoming election – before polling day approaches. You can also register to vote at the Texas Department of Motor Vehicle Public Safety or your local voter register. In this case, you’ll need proof of identity, such as one of the following: your Texas driver’s license, U.S. military photo ID, U.S. passport, or U.S. citizenship certificate with photo.
Wills & bequests
While Texas and California are both community-owned states, there are some notable differences. Additionally, we understand that many California residents have living trusts – not wills – to avoid probate their estates in California. While your estate planning documents definitely need to be reviewed to reflect the changes made by your move, the impact of continued ownership of California real estate assets on your estate is equally important.
Texas Concealed Handgun License
Now that you’re Texan and don’t need to own a gun, many Texans do – and many have a hidden pistol license. Many states have reciprocity agreements that require Texas and the other state to recognize each other’s hidden pistol license. California is not one of them. However, Texas Governor Rick Perry previously issued a proclamation allowing those with hidden gun licenses in California to legally carry in Texas. The unilateral proclamation obliges California licensees to follow Texas law when wearing in Texas. You can change your address online. Incidentally, the United State Concealed Handgun Association has identified only two states with laws prohibiting the wearing of a hidden firearm while wearing a mask: California and Illinois (although Illinois sheriffs and prosecutors state they carry a gun while wearing a mask Wear to Protect Others From Them COVID-19 is not illegal unless a crime is committed.
insurance
Have you updated your insurance lately? Life, Health, Home and Accident.
locker
Have you recently inventoried / updated any security documents?
Personal move list
To be reminded of a variety of easily forgotten items, such as B. Mail forwarding, address changes, insurance, medical records, health care providers, and the like, read this article to get a good start on a checklist for personal items addressed in a move.
Personal contracts – leases, vendors, and more
The legal jurisdiction is now in Texas, not your state of departure. It makes sense that your documents choose Texas law. Texan law treats at least some contract terms differently. Also, depending on the demand and the attention you pay to your contracts and relationships, you may still find yourself defending a lawsuit in your “old state”.
Change your address with the government
The IRS requires you to complete Form 8822 Change of Address (Part II) and indicate whether you want to change just the mailing address or notices for other tax matters as well.
Tip the scales in your favor
In bringing some of this information together, I came across an article by Amelia Josephson published a few years ago. Here are some of my favorites:
- We have a strong track record in job creation. Texas is generally a good state for job growth – the state grew by 345 people per day between 2005 and 2013.
- Get ready for the heat. Texas is hot and getting hotter – temperatures in the high August 90s across much of the state.
- The energy sector is king. Shell and other energy giants are some of the largest employers in Texas. However, the Texan economy is becoming increasingly diversified.
- Taxes are a mixed bag. Texas is widely considered a great state for those who hate paying taxes. There is no state income tax and state sales tax is not high. The state’s property taxes are among the highest in the country.
- Guns are a fact of life. Hidden guns are everywhere in Texas, and many households have more than one gun.
- We are rich in history. In Texas’ Dinosaur Valley State Park, you can literally walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs that once roamed Texas. The state has a long history. When European settlers first arrived in Texas, indigenous tribes such as the Caddo, Apache, and Comanche had lived in the country for approximately 11,000 years. Then there is the Spanish and Mexican history of Texas, the Alamo, and the famous struggle for independence. If you love history you will love living in Texas.
- We are changing. Texas is booming, attracting tens of thousands of new residents from overseas and other US states. The state’s Hispanic population is growing rapidly and soon the state will return to its former roots as a predominantly Hispanic state. Demographers predict the state will be three-fifths Hispanic by 2050.
- Grilling is a big deal – but vegetarians shouldn’t despair. Yes, the grilling is huge here. If you eat beef, get ready for brisket sandwiches that will blow your mind. But vegetarians don’t have to despair. Finding meat-free options in the Lone Star State has never been easier. You may still get some meat to skip meat, but it is more common than it used to be.
- It’s a great state for live music – and not just Austin. Austin is famous for its live music scene, but it’s not the only city in Texas with a thriving live music scene. In fact, live music is part of the state’s culture, whether it’s blues, country, tejano, bluegrass, hip hop, or anything else you can think of. Famous Texan musicians are Beyoncé, Selena, Scott Joplin and Miranda Lambert.
- Shiner Bock is great, but it’s not the only Texas beer worth checking out. Shiner Bock is the largest and fairest brewery in Texas. But as you’d expect from such a large state, there are plenty of craft breweries too. Most of them are concentrated in Austin, but you should be able to find craft beer in many other parts of the state of Texas.
- Texas is full of characters. Texas seems to breed famous larger-than-life characters in politics and the arts, and you might see some characters in your neighborhood or at your local supermarket after moving to Texas. For example, if you’re used to the subdued styles of the Northeast or the laid-back vibe of the Northwest, you might be surprised at what Texas has in store for you.
- It’s a great place to get out in nature. There are enough state and national parks to keep Texas outdoor enthusiasts happy. Hiking, camping, and boating are popular activities in the state, but there are other attractions like the old pictograms at the Hueco Tanks State Historic Site and the rare sea turtles at the Padre Island National Seashore.
- Our homes are affordable. One of the reasons the state has been able to attract so many new residents is because homes in the Lone Star State are relatively affordable. This is what happens when you have that much empty space to build on.
- We are hugs. Texans are known for being warm and friendly. If you don’t like hugging, kicking back, and having fun, you may find it difficult to get used to life in Texas. Recent transplants may seem troubled to longtime residents of the Lone Star State, but we assume it won’t take them too long to break the ice.
- Don’t mess with Texas. “Don’t mess with Texas” is not just a brilliant piece of marketing and the slogan of a successful anti-garbage campaign. It’s a good general rule. Texans tend to be proud of their state and can get prickly when they hear it criticized. If you are moving to Texas, it may be wise to stick to the positives when speaking to longtime Texans.
The bottom line
WELCOME! I hope you find our great Lone Star State to be everything you hoped for … with the possible exception of the weather, perhaps.
On the subject of matching items: New to Texas? Considerations for Moving Your Business to the Lone Star State
Moving to Texas or Across the Street? Top 5 business considerations
[View source.]
