Establishing In-State Residency?

Colleges and Universities A-Z The University of Texas at Austin
1

The costs of attending UT Austin OOS is about 25,000 more per year than in-state. That’s a considerable amount that makes establishing residency an attractive option.

 "If you are independent for tax purposes, you may gain resident status if you establish domicile in the state. If your           parent(s) claim you as a dependent on their federal income tax return, they must establish 
 domicile in the state for you to claim residency.

 To establish domicile, you or your parent(s) must meet the following criteria:

 Live in Texas for 12 consecutive months; and
 Establish and maintain domicile for 12 consecutive months, as evidenced by:
 Gainful employment in Texas;
 Note: Student jobs do not qualify as gainful employment.
 Sole or joint marital ownership of residential real property in Texas by the person seeking to enroll or the dependent’s            parent, having established and maintained a domicile at the residence;
 Ownership and operation of a business in Texas; or
 Marriage for one year to a person who has established domicile in Texas."

I would be going to UT Austin as a freshman Fall 2016. My plan was to not be claimed as independent on tax returns for 2016 (in 2017) and work for 12 consecutive months in Austin (during 2016, 2017, etc.). Is there something I’m missing other than these two things and not leaving Texas for too long of a period of time during winter breaks, summer, etc? Has anyone had any success with the In-State Angels (provide service of establishing in-state residency?

Keep in mind that I legitimately want to make Austin (and Texas) my home during and after college. Thanks.

P.S. If anyone in Texas wants to marry me, that would be cool too. (kidding(kind of))

2

If you are in Texas solely to attend college that does not count in establishing residency. People have been arrested and prosecuted for trying to get around the rules.

3

My niece, about 5 years ago, did establish residency by working 15 hours a week for a full year off campus and she did it with UT Austin’s blessing. I do believe they have significantly tightened the rules the last few years. I think the number of hours has increased and you have to show you are financially independent. I would call UT directly and ask exactly what you would need to do. Again, they were very helpful when my niece did this but the rules have changed.

4

My son also got residency approved in 2010. As @GTAustin mentioned, the school has no problem with it as long as you follow the rules. It IS harder now - before you could just buy some cheap land in west Texas, but now you have to live in the property that you purchase.

You can call UT and ask to talk to the residency people. They are happy to help in any way they can.