A viral social media post has ignited fresh criticism of California's tax policies, as former residents claim they are being pressured to prove the exact day they left the state or risk being taxed as residents.
MAGA Influencer Sparks Debate
The post, shared by MAGA influencer Mila Joy on X, shows a letter from the California Franchise Tax Board requesting proof of departure. 'People who have left California are receiving letters telling them that they still need to pay California state taxes,' Joy wrote. 'My gosh, if this doesn't show how broke California is I don't know what will.'
What the Letter Demands
The letter is part of routine residency audits conducted by the tax board. It asks recipients to provide a 'brief narrative' explaining their move, along with documentation such as moving invoices and employment records to verify the exact date they left California. Failure to comply could result in continued taxation as a resident.
Social media users expressed outrage at the demands. 'Amazingly unbelievable that these vultures have nothing better to do with their time other than chase down inconsequential money!' one user wrote. Another commenter claimed California will 'hunt people down' who left years ago, adding: 'They will literally go into your bank account and take every last penny for what they say you owe and then make you prove otherwise.'
California's Tax Revenue Context
Critics noted the state collected roughly $275 billion in personal income, sales, and corporate taxes in 2025, making the aggressive pursuit of additional revenue seem unnecessary. Some placed blame on Governor Gavin Newsom for the state's fiscal policies.
Residency Audits: A Common Practice
While the requests have sparked outrage, residency audits are not unique to California. States like New York and New Jersey conduct similar audits, often with even more detailed tracking. The scrutiny is especially common when residents relocate to low- or no-income-tax states such as Texas and Florida.
California is among the most aggressive states in this area, second only to New York. New York is known for its forensic approach, examining calendars, expense reports, credit card statements, passports, cell phone data, and even E-ZPass records to track days spent in the state. Anyone spending more than 183 days in New York is considered a statutory resident, with partial days typically counted as full days.
How Residency Is Determined
Officials evaluate a taxpayer's 'closest connections' to determine residency, considering where they spend their time, own or rent property, and where their financial and personal ties are strongest. This may include bank accounts, business interests, family location, voter registration, and even where a person's doctor, accountant, or social affiliations are based. Maintaining significant ties to California after a move can trigger further scrutiny, particularly for high earners leaving for low-tax states.
New York's Proposed Pied-à-Terre Tax
Meanwhile, New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani have proposed a pied-à-terre tax targeting second homes valued at $5 million or more. The surcharge would affect wealthy homeowners who live outside the city or do not pay city tax but own luxury properties in any of the five boroughs, potentially driving further wealth exodus.
