Where are the best places to retire in America? if you guessed Florida and Arizona you'd be off the mark, according to a recent survey by Bankrate.
Average number of sunny days get those states high scores, but sunny days alone don't mean happy golden years.
"As this report correctly suggests, pre-retirees need to consider a lot more than snow days and tradition," says Rodger Friedman, founding partner and wealth manager at Steward Partners Global Advisory and author of "Forging Bonds of Steel," a guide to developing an excellent working relationship with your financial advisor.
"Different states have different tax laws and other regulations that can have a major impact on your retirement funds. You need to be aware of these as you plan for where you want to live and how you want to live."
Whether or not you're considering one of the other top four "best states to retire" – Colorado, Utah, North Dakota and Wyoming, in that order – follow these three tips for planning ahead.
• New state – new income tax rules. Get to know them!
Familiarize yourself with the tax laws of the state you're considering for your new home. Two of the top five on Bankrate's list – South Dakota and Wyoming — have no state income tax, along with five others: Nevada (No. 18 on the list), Texas (19), Washington (22), Florida (39), and Alaska (48.).
Also, an itemized deduction in one state may not be an itemized deduction in another. If you use the long form (1040) to file federal income taxes, hire a reputable, experienced CPA for guidance.
• If you're married, are you moving to a community property state?
• Have a lawyer review your estate planning documents.
