How do you claim residency in the state of Michigan?

Question

We have a cottage in Michigan. I am going to school in Michigan (fall 09) and would like to have the in state tuition. We pay taxes here and are involved in our community.

I am willing to move to the cottage after I graduate from high school to obtain a job in Michigan.

Answer 1

While there may be ways to legally pay in State tuition rates, I would be careful to verify you are not committing fraud (a felony) by claiming to be a Michigan resident with this scenerio. The State of Michigan Secretary of State has some information on their website, in general, they refer you to your specific university.

http://www.michigan.gov/som/0,1607,7-192...

Will your parents be paying cash for your college? If not, after viewing your universities residency requirements another thing to consider for you and your parents is if you will be claimed as a dependent (and receive health insurance). You will be required to complete a FAFSA  form in 2009 and will have to include your parents address and income. This information is required for anyone receiving Federal money for school and the information is sent to universities entered on the form. I believe the IRS requires dependents to have the same address as parent(s) claiming the dependent credit.

I believe that the additional cost of insurance and other items would be greater than your out of State tuition rates.

Parent of 3 college students.

Answer 2

Typical residency requirements include:

1. Living in the area for 1 year, except any time spent

at college.

2. Having a permanent residence in the state.

3. Having a driver's license from the state of residency.

4. Filing as a resident voter in that state.

5. If you have a car then you must register it in the new

state as well.

States don't mind who becomes a resident, but colleges get extra money so they stick on that clause about not earning residency status while attending college. The other reasons are to prove your intent to stay in the state.

Answer 3

You need to have a Michigan license and a bill for the place in your name.

Answer 4

Your parents owning a cottage there does not make you a resident.  You have to physically be in that state for a year or more to be a resident as well as meet other criteria like NOT moving to the state for the sole purpose of going to school.  Turn in a high school transcript from out of state and you will be deemed an out of state resident for the duration of your college career there.