Tax Playbook · Big life moves
Prove you really moved
California doesn't use a simple day count — it decides where you live from your whole life: homes, family, work, doctors, banks, license, voting, and where you spend your time. If any of that still centers on California when a big sale happens, the state can tax the whole thing. Keep a day-by-day calendar and move your real life, not just your mail. Selling $500,000 of stock 'from Nevada' won't work if your kids, doctors, and most of your nights are still in California.
Good for: Anyone leaving California before a big income year.
Learn the basics
Recent articles & guides
- Velin & Associates: how to handle an FTB residency audit
- James Burns Law: California residency audit — 10 things to know
- Moskowitz LLP: preparing for a California residency audit
- Dark Horse CPAs: disconnect from California taxes
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Educational summary, not tax advice. Limits and rules change — confirm current law with your tax adviser.